Namryung Side Quests

Welcome.

Hmm...

Are you worried about something?

Since I've been cooped up for so long, I'd like to get out as soon as possible, but...

It seems like it'll take quite a while for me to recover.

Is there anything we can do to help?

It would help if I could absorb some of the deep essence of Mother Nature.

The best method is drinking blessed water made from essence-infused ingredients.

How about we get those ingredients for you?

It won't be easy. It'll only be effective with new energy... energy not found in Baek-Ah.

It would be best if they were ingredients from Centralia...

Centralia? We're from Centralia.

...That's right. I hate to be a bother, but could I ask for your help?

Anything that contains the Essence of Mother Nature is fine.

I'll be sure to pay you well.

The Essence of Mother Nature... Should we ask Lupe about that?

Hi, Lupe. It's been a while.

Ah... Brave warriors. It's good to see under kinder circumstances.

How are you feeling?

I am well now.

...This is no social call. What do you need?

You are warriors recognized by me and my kin. We are at your service.

Would you happen to know of any ingredients containing the Essence of Mother Nature?

Like something only White Wolves would know about... you know?

The Essence of Mother Nature...

I guess shamans would know more about stuff like that, right?

A friend of ours isn't feeling very well, so we wanted to bring him something that might help.

Hm? In that case, I have one thing that comes to mind.

How about uwangdrakes? Take them when you're feeling unwell, and you'll get better in no time.

You can find what you seek in the Valley of Trials.

That's an... unusual name. Can you mark the location on a map?

The deeper the color, the older it is. And the older ones are bigger and more effective.

Are we in the right place? The deeper the color, the better, right?

Whoa! This one's really big.

This seems like enough.

Should we go visit Nia now?

Oh, nice to see you again! Welcome.

We have a question to ask you, Nia.

Sure. Anything I can do to help.

Our friend is very sick. Do you know of anything that might help him recover his energy?

Energy... In that case, having some eel might be good.

Esther makes eel soup sometimes...

And I always feel energized after having some.

Eel...? Where can we get eels?

You should be able to get some beach eels around Port Vellum. Although, I believe Esther catches them on her own...

Here, fresh-caught beach eel for just five hundred gold!

They're so expensive... Should we try catching them ourselves too?

Man, this is kinda hard.

Hey, you won't catch anything like that.

Beach eels are the cleverest fish.

You should just give up.

But, we heard that Esther was able to catch eels here...

Esther...? Are you friends with that maid?

That young lady is on another level. She's a master angler.

She even helped me out when I was short on goods before.

...You know what! Since you're friends of hers, go on, just take it.

Whoa, really? Are you sure?

Of course. I'm just paying it forward.

Woohoo! Thank you! I think we just need one more ingredient now... What should we get?

Something containing the Essence of Mother Nature... This is hard.

Huh? Mother Nature? Oh, is that why you needed the eel? Hm, when it comes to Mother Nature, you can't go wrong with asking for help from elves!

Elves..?! Why didn't I think of that? Thank you, overalls man!

O-overalls man?!

Welcome everyone.

Your Majesty. It's nice to see you again.

We're collecting ingredients infused with the Essence of Mother Nature.

And we thought it would be a good idea to come to you.

Essence of Mother Nature... Is this for the guild?

No. Um... We're trying to help someone named Sangun.

Oh my, are you talking about Sangun, the White Tiger Divine Beast of the Far East?

Do you know him?

No, not personally. I've only heard about him from merchants that visit Sylvarium.

Divine Beasts already live their lives as one with nature, much like us elves...

He must've been through a major ordeal if he's searching for the Essence of Mother Nature.

So, what happened was...

You can explain later, slowly, when there's more time.

He should have no trouble absorbing the essence from the royal jelly sylphids gather.

Jelly gathered by Head Stickphids is even more valuable, so that would be the best ingredient... if you can obtain it.

Thank you, Your Majesty!

My pleasure. It was very nice to see you all again.

Look, Verna! I think that's the honey pot.

Whoa... It's even smells special!

Ooh, I wanna try some... but I won't.

Oh, I was waiting for you.

This root... It's infused with the rough, wild essence of the mountains. It will serve me well.

It's surging with energy... I like it.

This is... honey infused with the pure condensed essence of Mother Nature.

Did we do well?

Yes, I couldn't be happier.

Honestly, you've far exceeded my expectations for this quest.

I was prepared to pay for your efforts, even if you came back empty handed.

I must repay you with something equally prime.

I have some blessed water that I've been aging for twenty years...

I would be more than happy to share some with you two.

Th-this is...

Just the smell is making my head spin...

Haha, what do you think? This is my masterpiece.

I can tell from the aroma that this is my finest vintage yet.

But ah... with the ingredients you brought me, perhaps my next batch will improve on perfection.

Th-this isn't blessed water, it's...!

Just one sip, and your heart and mind will feel like they're soaring through the sky. What else can you call this?

Leeho probably would've begged for glass.

Uh... I'm okay.

Me too...

Haha, oh well. I guess I'll just have a glass with Leeho later.

Got my hopes up for nothing.

Thank you for giving me a reason to open this up.

I should've opened this blessed water years ago.

I couldn't... because this was the last one I made with Miho.

Oh, sorry... I didn't know.

No, no. It's fine. You've brought me ingredients to brew a new batch of blessed water, so this old batch should be emptied now.

I believe that this means I, too, am now ready to revisit my memories with her.

Feel free to stop by anytime to relax.

You're always welcome here.

Oh no... What to do...

Ugh... What can I do...? Should I give up...? No, no... I can't just give up...

Hey, you're making a lot of noise. What's going on?

Aack! How long have you been there?

Long enough. Your mumbling's really distracting!

Oh... Well, you see... I am deeply in love with a young woman.

I've never felt this way before, so I don't know what to do.

I mean, you could talk to her?

I don't get many chances to talk her. And on the rare occasions I do get an opportunity, I hesitate and ruin it.

Do you know where she lives? How about you try throwing a rock over her fence with a letter tied to it?

Nonsense! I am a noble. How could I do something so indecent?

And what if somebody gets hurt...

Argh! This is so dumb!

We'll just do it for you. Alright?

Well, if that's the case... No. Still, I can't...

Ugh! Just give me that!

Right about here, yeah?

Ahh!

Eek?!

You idiot!

What happened?

Uhh... It was delivered!

Then... could you also go back and retrieve her answer to the letter?

In my letter, I told her to throw a letter over in response if she felt the same way I do.

Sure, okay. We'll do it.

Didn't you think that guy was annoying?

Yeah... but I want to see how this plays out.

Verna! In that doggy's mouth! It's the letter!

Oh gosh, nothing's ever just easy for us!

It thinks the letter's a toy. What should we do?

If only we had something to grab its attention...

Hmm... Should we give it something to eat?

Something like your stash of emergency food.

...Damn it. I was saving that for a rainy day.

*Huff, huff, whimper!*

Man... What a waste...

Just consider it the ticket price to this guy's drama!

Let's get him that letter now.

Aha...! I was waiting for you.

Here, you've got mail.

Thank you! Huh? Why is the letter so damp?

That's...

Ah! I can't! My hands are shaking. I can't read it! Read it for me!

Ahem...

It says, "I shall be waiting at the pavilion by the pond in thirty minutes."

Th-thirty minutes! I should go now!

Let's follow him, Cloud

I seriously can't miss this...!

...You kinda sound like Francis right now.

Excuse me...

Ah?!

My name is Seohee.

To hear that you've developed such fondness for me from afar... I don't know what to say.

Young miss, do you know of a young woman with a freckle under her eye?

She's my younger sister...

Have you...?

Have you been watching me for so long that you already know what my family looks like?!

...Oh. I think the wrong person found the letter.

Tch. Oh well.

He can either confess his true feelings and clear up the misunderstanding or continue this charade.

That's up to him to deal with. I can't do that for him, too.

Those seeking wisdom shall be granted the blessings of the moon.

Are you familiar with night pearls?

What are those?

Night pearls are stones that emit light. They are commonly found on this mountain.

Oh yeah, I've heard of them.

A lot of people come here in search of them and get lost.

Ignorant creatures of the mortal world seek to exploit nature's mysteries for their own advancement.

But I digress, I have a favor to ask of you two.

Would you deliver a couple of night pearls to a young girl named Somang?

Somang? Who's Somang?

At times, it's better to see once, than ask a hundred questions.

Okay... You want us to stop asking questions and just get going.

The child lives in Beomgol.

Should we get going? It was a town called Beomgol, right?

Hello.

Hmm...?

Oh, you're the adventurers who took care of things before.

Would you happen to know a girl named Somang?

Somang? I do, I do.

We're trying to find where she lives.

Look for a big fancy house with three cows...!

Oh, wow!

Her family lives in the shed.

Ah...

I heard their entire family of five lives there, crammed on top of each other.

Anyway, I can show you the way. It's not that far.

That lady said it was a shed, but it's still a house... a really, really small house.

Who are you?

We're adventurers.

What brings you to this shabby place...?

We're here to see Somang.

She's my granddaughter. Is she in trouble? She's not that kinda kid, though...

That's not why we're here at all!

We were asked to deliver these night pearls to her.

Night pearls? Those valuable glowing stones?

Someone wants to give them to my granddaughter?

...Oh dear. Silly me, I'm crying...

Ma'am...?

Somang went to the forest to gather branches for firewood. You can go find her.

My granddaughter... She's really somethin' special... She's a big fish in a small pond...

Somang! Where are you!

Is that her?

I'm Somang... What is this about?

We're here to give you something.

For me?

What are these? They're so bright!

Someone wanted us to deliver these to you.

I really needed something like this. But... who would give me such a gift?

Um... Just a really great somebody. That's all you need to know.

With this, I can study at night even when the moon isn't out!

At night? Why not during the day?

My family is really poor.

Grandma is unwell, and Father passed away from an illness.

And Mother... she left a long time ago. I don't even remember her.

If I don't work during the day, there's nobody to take care of my grandma and younger siblings.

I see...

I'm going to become successful. My dream is to give Grandma a good and comfortable life!

With these bright stones... I'll be able to achieve my dream.

That's the spirit! Good luck.

Thank you. And please also say thanks to whoever sent me these stones!

Let's report back to Manwol now.

Indeed, I made the right choice in entrusting this task to you two.

Were you watching everything?

I can't say for certain that I watch over all of Baek-Ah.

I am not so lazy as to fail to observe the results of my request.

I want to know why you gave Somang those night pearls.

Because you possess altruism.

My act of charity is merely temporary alms.

However, now you two will watch over that child, and Somang's brilliance will be guided down the right path.

This may be the last, but there's no need to withhold a small act of mercy for Baek-Ah's future.

The last...?

We must eventually accept the darkness descending over this world. It is fate.

Whether we will overcome it again... We can only wait and see.

Will we ever be able to go back home?

*Sigh...* What to do...

What about?

Ack! Where did you come from?!

We just got here. What's going on?

Um... You see, I have a lot of younger siblings. Six of them.

That is a lot...

The youngest are twins, and they're really cute.

It's weird hearing you call something cute.

What do you mean?

Nothing, nothing. Go on, so what's the problem? Your siblings are too cute?

...I want the twins to get established some place like Naksan as soon as possible.

The Divine Maiden told us to wait... but there's no telling how long we'll have to wait for.

We could try to fix things for you, but did you talk to them? Do they want to leave right now?

I never asked.

You should always ask somebody first. Let's see what they think.

Are you Mondi's little sister?

Yes, that's right. What's going on? Weren't you here to meet Mondi?

I need to swing my sword a thousand times by nightfall, so I'm kinda busy...

Swinging your sword? A thousand times? Do you want to be a swordsman?

I want to be someone who can always protect myself.

I'm gonna become a proper thief!

About that... Wouldn't living a comfortable life in Naksan be better than being a bandit?

Rabbie did say we might have to move soon, but...

Sounds boring. I don't want to become weak.

Moving to the village won't make you weak. You can become a government officer and protect the weak.

Um... I still want to become strong like Onsae.

Onsae protects you guys, too. Not that different from an officer.

We can help you join the military in Naksan. What do you think?

Um... okay. But, Sunny has to come too. Will you convince Sunny too?

He really doesn't want to leave this place.

Sunny probably went to Moonglow Mountain.

He should be nearby. He came to gather herbs, so...

This basket of herbs is Sunny's.

Something must've happened. I'm sure. We need to find him, fast!

H-help meeeeeee!

Over there! We have to save him!

*Whimper...* That was scary...

Thank you for saving me...

But, who are you...?

They're the people Mondi mentioned last time.

Oh, yeah! I remember...!

Mondi wants us to take you two to Naksan.

Sattie agreed to come along, but she said you wouldn't want to leave.

Hmm... Naksan's the biggest village in Surah... I'd be okay going too, but...

If I leave, we'll run out of herbs in the cave really fast...

I'm the only one who can treat everyone...

There'll be no more banditry now, remember? They won't get hurt anymore.

And I'm sure Dohwa Garden will help out too!

I feel bad going to Naksan alone... leaving everyone behind.

Mondi is more concerned about you guys living in that cave.

Plus, you'll be able to see each other again really soon.

I guess that's true... Okay then, I'll go too.

If we want to help Sattie join the military... we should talk to Yeowool, right?

We'd like to introduce you to your newest recruits.

Recruits? Are you talking about these raccoon kids here?

Yep.

Joining the ranks requires certain core skills, you know.

One of them is pretty good with a sword.

I swing my sword a thousand times every day!

A for effort! We'll test your skills with a proper exam. And the other one?

He's good at finding herbs for treating wounds, and he's skilled at brewing salves and things.

Hm. We don't have combat medics, but...

If there's not a place for Sunny, I don't want to stay, either.

...But, Doctor Deoksu is looking for an apprentice. Go check it out.

Thank you!

You, Raccoon. You need to work on your discipline.

Let's start with what happens if you interrupt a superior officer.

Eek?!

Are you looking for an apprentice?

Oh, yes. How'd you know?

Yeowool mentioned it.

Well, do you have someone in mind?

We have a kid here who knows a lot about herbs.

That is important, but...

Kid, how did you become so knowledgeable about herbs?

Uh... Um... I didn't want anybody to be hurting...

Okay, so what if somebody you don't like was hurting? Does that matter?

I don't think I'd want to help them... but I would also regret not treating them.

I like your honesty.

A good heart is what makes a truly great doctor.

I look forward to working with you.

Yes...! Thank you.

Thank you for recommending such a kind-hearted child.

No problem!

I'm glad they've both found places to stay. Let's let Mondi know.

Huh? You're back. How did it go?

Good. We got Sattie and Sunny to Naksan.

Sattie joined the military, and Sunny is a doctor's apprentice!

Whaaaat?!

What? Why? What's wrong?

You said you were just going to see what they thought!

How could you just send them away? I didn't even say goodbye!

Uh... It kinda just happened... naturally...

...It's okay.

You two have trusted me since the moment we first met.

So, I trust that you found them good homes.

Th-thanks for considering it that way.

As long as they're safe, we can settle our differences later.

With Sattie in the ranks, hopefully the day you all return home will come even faster!

I really hope so!

You'll find information here. For the right price, of course.

What to do...

Is something troubling you?

Oh, my apologies! I got so lost in thought, I left customers waiting.

It's nothing, just a personal problem.

Well, if you tell us what it is, maybe we can help?

...Th-then, by any chance, do you... find me scary?

Huh? I've never once been scared of you.

I'm afraid the young gisaeng of Dohwa Garden find me intimidating.

I look quite fierce, and I don't speak very gently, either...

Why don't you just straight up ask them?

I'm worried that might cause them to actually fear me...

I guess that could happen. Then, how about we try poking around for you?

Would you do that for me? Thank you.

The girls usually take walks near the pond, so try heading that way.

Oh! I didn't expect to run into you here.

Hello. Are you on a walk?

Yes, that's right!

The substitute headmistress gives us an hour break every day.

The substitute headmistress? Do you mean Miss Hwaryeon?

She seemed pretty strict, but I guess she really isn't.

Oh no, some people misunderstand her, but her heart's in the right place.

She's always looking after us, making sure we don't feel the absence of Headmistress Jiwon.

She just sounds cold, so it does sometimes feel like she's scolding you...

Thanks for clearing that misunderstanding up.

My pleasure!

Hello!

You're the ones who helped our headmistress.

What? How do you know us?

Every gisaeng at Dohwa Garden knows who you are.

There aren't a lot of people Miss Hwaryeon thinks so highly of.

Miss Hwaryeon thinks highly of us?

That's a surprise. I thought she didn't really like us...

You might feel that way because she keeps her feelings to herself...

And the new girls mostly see her for discipline, so they associate her with that...

But, we all know that everything she does is for our own good.

She doesn't want us to make a mistake and get hurt.

I never would've guessed she was so thoughtful.

Do you know anybody who's close to Miss Hwaryeon? We'd like to get to know her better to avoid any misunderstandings.

Mmm... Danyeong gets along with her well.

She said she was going to buy a talisman during the break today.

I hope it's not too expensive...

Hello!

Oh my! Never thought I'd run into you here.

We heard you were going to buy a talisman.

Hm? Did Mokdan tell you that?

Yes, but it's not for myself. I want to get a gift for Miss Hwaryeon.

For Miss Hwaryeon?

She's seemed stressed lately. I've heard her practicing speaking more gently late into the night.

She really doesn't need to do that, but... if it'll make her more comfortable, I want to help out.

With a talisman?

Yes! I'm going to get her powerful talisman that'll improve her romantic luck!

And there's more! I've also ordered Naksan's latest best-selling romance novel too!

Once she reads that, she'll soften right up for sure.

I just need to pick it up from the bookstore, but I haven't had time to get over there for days now.

You've thought of everything... If you're really busy, we can pick it up for you.

Ah, really? Thank you! It'll be at the Naksan Bookstore. Please deliver it to Miss Hwaryeon!

Whatcha looking for? We have everything you can imagine, and a few things you can't!

We're here to pick up the book Miss Danyeong ordered.

Danyeong... Danyeong... Ah, yes. Here it is.

This one's been very popular lately, especially among our female clientele.

It's imported from Centralia, on the other side of the ocean. I've had so many people dying to get their hands on it...

Yeah, yeah. Give us the book already.

Welp... Please stamp here to certify you picked it up.

So it's this book! I thought it looked familiar. It's a best-seller back in Solismenamus, too. Branch Master Miller was reading it...

Ah, you're back.

We talked to three people, and... some do find you very intimidating.

Yes, I thought so.

I'm trying my best to fill Headmistress Jiwon's shoes, but it's not easy.

But, everybody also knows that you're actually a very warm and thoughtful person.

That's... nice to hear.

Miss Danyeong already knew that you were stressed about this.

Danyeong? How did she...?

She's heard you practicing talking at night.

What?! Sh-she heard that?!

Danyeong ordered this book for you.

It's romance novel that's popular in Centralia, where we're from, too... I guess it could help.

I do enjoy reading.

I'll be sure to thank her...

......

...??????

Oh my! How are they having such a sentimental exchange... so casually?!

Such utterly embarrassing behavior...

Just a... Just one moment, please...!

Ahem, I was caught off guard there.

Do you think it's helping?

Indeed... it was sentence after sentence of things I could never imagine saying.

If this is what I must practice saying, then... Mmm...

Thank you for getting this book to me.

I'd like to take some time to focus on reading. Could you come back later?

I'll repay this discourtesy once I've internalized the help you've given me.

Good luck.

Sure wish I had more customers...

*Sigh,* this ain't good...

Is there something wrong, ma'am?

Business ain't exactly booming lately.

Everybody just eats in Wolha, so except for a few regulars, I'm not getting any customers.

Hm... What if you added a new menu item?

A new menu item?

Sometimes when you're out on the road for a long time, you can start feeling a bit queasy, and your appetite suffers.

What? When has that ever happened to you...?!

Shut up.

Anyway, I think it might be a good idea to make something that's easy on the stomach.

Hm, my mother, rest her soul, used to make corn porridge whenever I had a stomachache.

Corn porridge! That sounds perfect!

Could you fetch me some water and fresh corn?

And get some sticky rice from Old Man Dongsu.

Leave it to me!

There's a well just over yonder, so you can draw the water from there!

That's enough water. Let's go get that rice.

The weather is quite warm.

Can we have some sticky rice?

The tavern's planning a new menu item.

Really? Didn't she want to close up shop?

She's determined to attract more customers.

I do have rice, but... it ain't free.

My grandchildren like wild raspberries... Maybe you could fetch me some of those... Ahem.

I'm basically giving it to you! This place is full of wild raspberries.

Is this enough?

Give it here!

Mhm. Good. They're fresh.

The kiddos will love em.

I've brought out the sticky rice over there. Take what you need.

Thank you.

Talking about corn is making me hungry for cocorn skewers...

Wait, let's grab some cocorn. That might be even tastier!

Let's head back to the tavern now.

Oh... These are some high quality ingredients.

Especially these corn kernels... They're nice and plump.

Right? I knew you'd like them.

I really hope your corn porridge is a hit and brings back business.

Uh-huh. Thank you.

Drop by anytime for taste! I'll do my best to make it tasty.

We'll be looking forward to it!

Better get started now...!

*Sigh*

Excuse me, is something the matter?

...Oh, yes. You must be... adventurers.

You look concerned... Are you alright?

...My name is Lee Seulbi. It's a pretty name, right?

Huh? Oh, um, yeah. It is.

I have this childhood friend.

His name is Baek Yeong, and he's so handsome.

...If nothing's the matter, then we should get going.

Yeong is sick with an illness of the heart. He has been for a long time.

He keeps getting worse, and it's all I can think about.

If that's the problem, we know a very skilled doctor.

Should we try asking him how to treat an illness of the heart, or whatever it is?

Yes, I would be really grateful if you could. Thank you.

Welcome.

Can you treat illnesses of the heart, too, Doctor?

Of course.

But they're hard to treat with just medicine...

Then, what do you need?

Every illness has its cause.

Even illnesses that lie in the heart have their source elsewhere.

Finding that root cause is more important than any medicine.

Got it! Thank you!

Let's go back and learn more about the cause of his illness.

So...? Can it be treated?

We can't treat the illness without knowing what's causing it.

I suppose so...

Can you think of anything?

Hmm, Baekyeon will probably know more than me.

She's Yeong's older sister, and she's pretty too. Though, not as pretty as me.

Hm, not sure how that last bit's relevant.

Would you ask Baekyeon about it for me?

How about you come with us? Wouldn't it be better if you talked to her directly?

Baekyeon's not comfortable around me... Maybe it's because I'm prettier than her?

...So we just need to find a woman named Baekyeon, right?

Right. And could you do me a favor and not mention me?

You're making a lot of demands but... Sure. Have it your way!

Yeong's family lives in Wolha.

That's not a whole lot of information to go off of...

Maybe Miss Hwaryeon knows her?

Welcome. Are you here to see the headmistress?

No, we're actually here with a question for you.

Would you happen to know someone named Baekyeon? She's supposed to live in Wolha.

Everyone knows the Baek Family's daughter.

They're one of the most prestigious families of Wolha.

Do you know where we can meet her?

You might try that fruit stand over there.

I hear she's been a regular customer.

Her brother hasn't been eating or drinking, so she's probably looking for something to tempt his appetite.

Thanks. You've really helped us out!

My pleasure. This is the least I could do after everything you've done for our headmistress.

I'll sketch a portrait of her. Take it with you.

That's her. She looks exactly like the drawing.

Hello, are you Miss Baekyeon?

Yes, that's me... Do you know me?

We heard your younger brother was suffering from an illness of the heart.

How do even foreign adventurers know my family's business?

Is there anything we can to do help?

Why would you help my brother when you don't even know him?

If you're hoping to wring some compensation from our family, then I must decline your offer.

No, no. We're not really after anything.

We just couldn't ignore someone in need of help.

We were told that illnesses of the heart could be treated if you address the cause.

Oh, so you don't know everything.

The cause is clear. It's because of his girlfriend. Everybody knows.

She passed away two months ago and he's been overwhelmed with grief since.

We all know the cause, but unless you can raise the dead, there's nothing to do.

Your kind thoughts alone are enough. Now then...

...So he's lovesick. I don't think we can do anything about this.

Still, let's go report what we found out.

Baek Yeong is sick because he's mourning his dead girlfriend.

The entire village knows... You didn't hear about it?

I see, as expected.

Yeong has forgotten his beloved's last words!

If you get him to remember what she said, his heart may begin to heal.

How would we do that?

There's a small stone tower deep in Mooncloud Valley.

Beneath it there'll be a hair stick box. Deliver that to Yeong.

Uhh, okay. But, how do you know all... Huh?

Verna, what's wrong?

...Let's just go.

Let's go.

What's going on? Why are you being weird?

Huh? Where'd she go?

Hi, excuse me.

Did you maybe see a young woman over here?

...No, I haven't.

Where did she go...? Should we go to Miss Hwaryeon and ask about her?

We only know here name, though. Lee Seulbi.

What did you just say? Lee Seulbi?

Y-yeah, why?

Do you know her?

She's... my girlfriend who died two months ago.

Are you... Baek Yeong?

Who are you? How do you know my name?

What's going on? I'm so confused.

We were talking to someone named Lee Seulbi just a while ago.

She wanted us to help treat her childhood friend's illness of the heart.

N-no! How can that be? You met her here?

That's unbelievable. Seulbi drew her last breath before my eyes!

How... How could you have possibly met Seulbi?!

We really don't know what's going on, either.

She told us the location of the stone tower with this hair stick box.

She said you would get better once you saw the box and remembered her last words.

Her last words...?

...I'm ashamed. For a moment, I was upset that she appeared to you and not me.

Moments before she passed, Seulbi told me to live a beautiful life.

I just couldn't bear it... It was too much... so I forgot what she had said to me.

This is where we swore our love to each other.

This hair stick was a gift I gave to her then.

She must be lingering in this world because of you.

You should let her rest now.

You're right. If not, I won't be able to face her later.

I'll return home and start anew. I must keep my promise to her.

Did you already know?

It was weird that she knew the exact location of the hair stick box.

*Sniffle.* I almost cried.

I can't believe I have to work on a day like this...!

What's the matter?

Have you heard of a swordsman named Cho-un?

Nope, never. ...Is he famous?

Hm... No, not really.

O-okay?

Some bandits snuck into the village a while back.

I failed to catch them, but then this swordsman appeared out of nowhere and took them down with a single strike!

It all happened in a blink of an eye. I couldn't even see how it went down... It was utter mastery of technique.

I always assumed he was just a bum that hung out at Dohwa Garden, but... I was mistaken.

So what, do you want to give him something as a thanks?

Of course, that too, but I also want to ask him to take me as his disciple.

I paid handsomely for some information on the swordsman. He's said to be friends with a man named Park Taegyu.

Could you go find him for me and ask about the swordsman? I can't believe I'm stuck standing guard on a day like this...!

I'll make sure to pay you right. I have quite some money saved up.

Park Taegyu out front of Dohwa Garden... Okay. We'll go ask.

Hello, we're looking for someone named Park Taegyu.

Huh? That's me. What's this about?

Oh, that was easier than expected. Do you know someone named Cho-un?

Cho-un? Yeah, I do. Why?

There's someone who would like to get to know him, but he's a bit shy.

He wanted us to find out what Cho-un likes.

What he likes...? That's pretty easy.

He likes food. And not just any food, but weird food that normal people wouldn't even think of eating.

Weird food...?

You know what Hop-alees are, right? Those creatures that live in Mooncloud Valley and attack people.

They cause so much trouble that the government office has even declared them demonic beasts.

Cho-un loves eating their hind legs. Calls them a delicacy.

Oh... That's a tough one, even for me.

I heard you can't source them right now because of that vicious Borborg.

He'd be ecstatic if you'd get him a couple Hop-alee hind legs.

Hop-alee hind legs... Gross, gross, gross!

Ugh, they're slimy... Let's hurry back.

Over here! Fellas!

I heard that the swordsman Cho-un was leaving Wolha!

Huh? After we went through all that to get Hop-alee hind legs?

Hop-alee hind legs? That's what the swordsman likes?

Whatever! There's no time!

I was told he was headed to the Silver Grass Field, so hurry on after him!

Do we need to do that for you too?

*Sob!* It's my one and only wish.

I can't just desert my position...!

O-okay. Stop crying.

Please give him those Hop-alee hind legs you collected.

Even though I can't imagine why he likes them...

Yeah, I don't get it, either.

Don't forget to ask him to be my teacher, too! Okay? My teacher?

Yeah, we can hear you!

How are we supposed to find anybody in this giant space?

Have you seen a man who looks like a swordsman?

Not exactly a swordsman, but... yes, I did see a man carrying a sword by his side.

He's a regular customer who always buys the same thing, and it's not even something I usually sell.

He buys something that you don't sell? What does he buy?

Hop-alee hind legs.

You can take them to the government office as proof of your catch.

I'm a hunter on the side, and their bounty reward is pretty nice.

Now that I think about it, how odd. He always pays more than the bounty reward...

Which way did he go?

He said he was going on a trip... towards Naksan.

It's a shame for me. He was regular customer, and I never needed to go down to the government office to cash in my hunt.

He was really firm. Seemed to be in a rush and said he'd never be back.

He went towards Naksan. Let's go.

Did that man commit some kind of crime? Is he a wanted criminal?

No, it's nothing like that!

H-help meeee!

Please! Help me!

A sword...? Is that Cho-un?

Thank you so much. You saved my life.

Is your name...

My name is Cho-un.

Something's weird... but I guess we should do as we were asked.

Why are you giving me this precious ingredient?

A man named Choe Taesik wants you to have it, as a thank you.

You subdued some bandits in Wolha for him, right?

Oh... Yes, that did happen! Now then, I better get...

He also wanted you to teach him swordsmanship.

Teach him swordsmanship...?

I can't do that. He's... mistaken.

That's what I thought. A great swordsman would hunt his own Hop-alees, not buy them.

I'm just an ordinary person, and the only quest I'm on is to sample all of Baek-Ah's regional delicacies.

This sword is just for show, too, to scare off any bandits who might attack me.

And I wasn't the one who subdued those bandits in Wolha.

But, that pojol was making a big deal, so I got all hyped up and...

Yeah, why did you lie...? Wait, who actually caught the bandits then?

You won't believe this, but it was a girl wearing a mask... It happened in a split second.

Anyway, please tell that pojol the truth, and that I'm sorry. Now, I must get going...!

A girl wearing a mask...

Could it have been Yeonhwa?

Should we tell him the truth? He'll be so disappointed.

You're back. Where's the swordsman?

Turns out he was never a swordsman.

Wh-what do you mean?

Someone else subdued the bandits.

He just claimed he was because you were making such a big deal about him!

N-no way... He tricked me...!

Well, while learning swordsmanship is important... in the end, training is a fight against oneself, right?

We thought it was important that you knew the truth.

...Got it. I understand.

If my resolve to grow was true, I wouldn't have wasted time on something so silly.

I'll work harder and become a proud soldier who can protect the innocent!

He was in a hurry, so we weren't able to stop him.

Oh, I see... That's a shame...

B-but, he wanted us to tell you...

Having the heart to seek guidance means that you can accomplish anything!

He said gaining such a heart was a feat in itself.

I'm honored to hear he saw me in such a positive light.

This experience too, is a valuable lesson.

I'll take it to heart and strive forward.

I'll work harder and become a proud soldier who can protect the innocent!

Thank you!

Calm down... Calm down and think.

Oh my gosh. You're sweating buckets. What's wrong?

Umm... It's nothing. I just lost my badge.

Your badge?

Ah. You're not around here, so maybe you don't know, but a badge is an important piece of ID.

Ohhh. Well, in that case, can't you just apply for a new one?

It's not that simple. This is already the third time I've lost mine.

I got off with a warning last time, but this time, the boss won't be so gentle...

Hm, you're right. You are in a pickle.

I, Pojol Lee Musoon, have always led a righteous life. I'm just slightly forgetful.

Agh, but three times now... Messing up again so soon, Musoon.

Wait, now that I think about it, we dealt with some bandits disguised as pojol a while ago.

We can try checking if your lost badge is with them.

Really? Thank you so much. Please find my badge for me. I'll never forget your help!

Okay, sit tight and wait here. And... maybe do something about how sweaty you are?

Huh? Oh, you're the Divine Maiden's friends from before. What's up?

Uh, well... We're looking for something a pojol might've lost around here.

Have you come across a badge with the name Lee Musoon?

A badge? I might have used one when I was impersonating an officer...

But everyone's been looking for other work since the Divine Maiden came through, so I haven't got it on me now.

Oh, it might be in storage along with everything else we find and don't use.

Thank you. We'll take a look.

Actually, I'm glad you're here. I don't think it's a good idea keeping stuff like this here.

Could you take everything to the government office if you're headed that way?

Hm... Good point. Okay, yeah! We'll take all the other badges back too.

Thank you, really.

Sounds like everyone's quit banditry. That's a relief.

Found it! This badge says Lee Musoon.

Perfect. Let's grab them all and get going.

Oh! Thank you so much! I thought I was dead meat for sure.

They had a lot of other people's badges, too, so we brought them all back.

I see, but... Oh... this is the badge I lost the time before this.

The government's already cancelled it, so it's useless.

Oh no, what are you gonna do now?

...I think I'm going to need another favor.

Could you talked to Lord Sanhae for me? Tell him I need a new badge, please.

Oh, yes. Bring him the badges you found and tell him that I lost my badge while dealing with the bandits.

You want us to lie?

Please, I'm begging here... You're outsiders, so he won't get so angry at you.

Hm... Okay. Can't hurt to ask. Wait here.

Thank you. Thank you so much. Please, I'll be counting on you.

Hello!

Oh, it's you two. What is it this time?

The badge of a pojol named Lee Musoon...

Lee Musoon? What is it? Does he need another badge?

He was dealing with some bandits with us, and... umm... lost his badge, so he said he needed a new one.

Oh, really? He was dealing with some bandits? That's hilarious!

He knew he'd receive at least fifty lashes if he came to me directly, so he sent you all instead.

I found that airhead's badge on the road into town. This is the third time he's lost it!

I knew lying wouldn't work.

This is great, actually. Go tell him this.

From now on , anyone who loses their badge will have their next promotion delayed by a year. And badge inspection will be conducted tomorrow!

Okay... I guess we have no choice.

Oh right, we also brought back all the badges the beastkin bandits were using to use to disguise themselves. What should we do with them?

Seriously, these kids are all over the place.

You can leave them all here. I'll find their owners during the inspection tomorrow.

This'll really teach them a lesson!

Hm... I think he's serious about that punishment...

So, how did it go?

Sorry, but I think it'd be best if you went and spoke to Lord Sanhae yourself.

He said he was going to conduct a badge inspection tomorrow.

He didn't even consider reissuing you a new badge. And he said that anyone who loses their badge will have their next promotion delayed by a year.

Th-then, what do I do? Should I try to pass with that old cancelled badge?!

Ugh... I'm done for. Completely done for.

It's not too late. Why don't you just go plead for forgiveness?

It didn't seem like you were the only pojol who'd lost their badge.

Lord Sanhae might be less angry if you're were the first to come forward and be honest.

Okay... I guess I have no choice but to go and beg.

Anyway, thanks for all the help.

Sure, I hope everything works out for you.

Ah, yes... My hometown... I'd forgotten about it.

Hey, you there.

What? Why?

We don't want to fight, so stay back!

No, no. I'm sorry. We all deeply regret our past actions.

So actually... You could do me a favor, humans.

Please, help my friends settle down and build new lives in Wolha.

Settle down in Wolha? It's a great place, but we should make sure the villagers are welcoming.

I heard that a new security captain arrived from Naksan a while ago. Please go and ask him for help.

Hm... I've got it. We'll try to explain your situation.

I know I'm a tough sell, but please, I'm counting on you.

Honestly, I'm not confident this'll work... but let's go talk to that officer Onsae mentioned.

Hello, we're here to speak to the security captain from Naksan.

Hm? You're at the right place. What do you need?

I, Yun Chian, am charged with the security of this village.

We're actually here about Onsae.

What? Onsae? He's the reason I was dispatched here. What is it? Is he causing trouble again?

N-no. It's not like that. He's gone straight!

And he was hoping you could help his crew settle down and start new lives in this town.

Ha! Good joke!

I'm still getting reports of beastkin bandits running amok, but they want to settle down?! Hilarious!

Listen, he said they all regretted their crimes, and he wanted to be sure his friends were safe.

Look, I get it, but no one's going to want him for a neighbor as long as any of his gang is still looting.

And without evidence, I'll have a hard time convincing the villagers they've really had a change of heart.

Is there anything we can do? They're all refugees. They can't go home.

Hm... I think the villagers would come around if the remaining bandits were dealt with. Although, that won't be easy.

Oh, that's a good idea. We'll talk to Onsae first.

We explained your idea to Wolha's chief of security.

Thank you, but... judging by your faces, I take it it didn't go well.

There are rumors that there are still active beastkin bandits out there, so that's not helping.

We were thinking... It would be easier to win over the villagers if you took care of the remaining bandits.

So, there's still a chance.

I'd do it myself, but I'm still recovering from my injuries...

But, more importantly... Who's defying my orders and still attacking the village?

We'll ask around if anyone's seen anything suspicious.

That would be a great help. Thank you.

Tell them that I won't be tolerate anyone disobeying my orders.

Wow, it's been a while. What brings you here today?

We heard rumors that some of you were still secretly looting.

Have you noticed or participated in any suspicious activity near the cave?

No way. Onsae's expressly forbidden that.

You know, I leave the cave sometimes, too, but I haven't seen any other bandits.

Oh, right! Rabbie said she heard some weird sounds coming from deeper inside the cave.

Inside the cave?

Yeah, but I don't know the details. You should ask Rabbie.

Weird sounds? Yes, I've been hearing them lately.

I hear clanking, like blades hitting each other.

And some kind of creepy laughter every night, too. I haven't been able to sleep for days.

Who's laughing? Tell us more.

I don't know. I was too scared to look.

Wh-what if it's someone who snuck in to attack us?

We'll check it out, then. We need to find out what's going on!

Thank you. Please be careful!

Hehe. Did you see how those humans ran?

Yeah! Keep this up, and we'll get rich in no time!

Boss, when are we gonna take down Onsae?

Kehehe. Yeah, we can't let that fool live.

He wants to settle down in the village we used to raid? Crazy.

On the next full moon, we'll get everyone together, strike down Onsae, and start our own gang of bandits!

You're the best, Boss! I can't wait. Hehehe.

Oh, so this is what's going on.

Wh-who's there?!

Let's go, Verna!

Don't just stand there, fools! Get them!

Alright! Let's let Rabbie know that it's safe now.

The details might scare her, so let's play it down a bit.

You're back! It got really loud, so I was worried!

Oh, nothing to worry about! Just some youkai causing a ruckus.

Oh! That's right. We have some emergency rations stored back there, so they must have been after that. Those scoundrels.

Haha! You're right. We chased them all away, so it'll be quiet now.

Thank you so much. I'll be able to sleep now!

So? Were there still beastkin still messing with the village?

Yeah, I think the rumors were true. They were hiding in this cave.

A few of your crew weren't ready to go straight. They were working together to undermine you.

I suppose I did have a quite sudden change of heart...

Anyway, thanks for doing that for me, human.

How about you try visiting the village yourself sometime?

The villagers might be more interested if they hear from you personally how you'd use your strength to protect their homes.

Yes, that seems like a good idea.

I'll go down to Wolha as soon as I'm fully recovered. Thank you.

Hello, it's been a while.

How are you feeling, Sangun?

Thanks for asking. I'm doing much better now.

Still, the darkness shrouding this area has not been completely lifted yet. It's truly worrisome.

Isn't Hahnul gone already?

Unfortunately, these strange flowers have kept coming up. Even things that fade eventually blossom again.

I guess those twisted flowers we saw before are still around.

I'd hate for the foul things to spread, so I must remain vigilant.

But if you have some time, could you help me deal with the darkness here?

Sure, we can help. Which way should we go?

It's been several days since I tidied up Duskhaven, so the strange flowers may have bloomed again.

Could you scout it out?

Okay, but you should rest in the meantime, Sangun. We'll be back soon.

I think this was the direction Sangun told us to go.

It looks like the flowers spread deeper ins. Let's go!

There are more leftover on this side, too!

Remember, Sangun said they keep growing back.

Huh? That flower dropped a slip of paper when it died!

This drawing... Looks like a little kid drew it.

Isn't this Sangun?

Huh? You're right.

Let's find all the pieces and show it to Sangun.

There's someone else's arm on this piece. The drawing's not just of Sangun.

Let's look for more pieces.

It's a drawing of Sangun and... a woman?

Let's ask Sangun about her.

We're back, Sangun.

Like you said, there are still flowers popping up here and there, so it'll take some tending.

Well, thank you for your help. Some exercise will be good for my recovery.

I'll be a more attentive gardener until the problem is handled.

Anyway, we found this drawing while we were weeding.

It looks like it was drawn by a child...

Haha. I was wondering where this went... I guess it fell into the flowers and they consumed it.

Mina drew this for me when she was just a little girl.

Oh, then is the person standing next to you...?

The previous Divine Maiden... Her mother, Miho.

Mina, that rascal. I'd helped her up after she'd fallen, and she'd hugged me and called me "Dad."

Miho was too shy, but Mina dragged us together and drew this picture.

I guess... Mina wanted to draw her family.

Yes... Seeing this, it feels like only yesterday.

Thank you very much for this. It's brought back many fond memories.

I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better. Well then, see you later.

Yes. Until then.

Wuff, wuff! Yip... Wuff!

Huh? A doggy!

Wuff, wuff!

It's so cute and friendly!

Okay, let's see. Sit!

Wuff!

Good boy! You're a smart little doggy, aren't you?

Grr... Wuff, wuff!

I know, but we have to go now. We can play later, okay?

Yip... Wuff!

I know. I'm sorry.

Rrrowf, huhlp! Wuff! Hep me. Ruff, wuff!

What? What did you just say? Help... me?

Rrrowf, rrrowf... Wuff, wuff!

Okay, okay. Something's weird here. A talking dog...?

Let's take it to go see that shaman just in case. Her name was Deok, right?

Um... Excuse us...

Ugh, how dare you bring that thing here!

I knew something was weird.

We think this dog is talking like a human. It's saying, "Help me."

What? Of course it's talking like a human. It is a human.

It's possessed by something strong. It doesn't seem like a normal spirit...

So, he's really human? Is there any way we can turn him back to normal?

For now, I'll give you this talisman so you can ask him for details. I can only help if I know what happened.

He'll only stay human for a hundred seconds, so make it quick.

*Whimper...* *Whine...* *Whimper...*

Is anything happening...? One forkmugger, two forkmugger...

Ah, ah... Ack... Phew. Thought I was a goner.

Ahh! He transformed?!

Thank you so much... I haven't had anything to eat for a while... I don't have much strength to speak...

There's no time! Tell us how you became a dog!

So what happened was... I went to Mooncloud Valley, and...

I saw a dog struggling in the water and jumped in to rescue it, but I got swept away by the current, too.

When I came to, I was transformed into a dog. So... Huh...? Wuff!

*Whimper... whimper...*

That's why we needed you to talk quickly...

It seems like something happened during his trip to the valley.

Yeah, I got the gist of it. You'll probably find traces of the dog's remains near the valley.

Find and give it a proper goodbye, and the spirit possessing the man will leave, and he'll return to his normal self.

Okay, we'll try going to the valley.

And take him with you!

I don't like how clingy he is. Hmph!

Huh? There's something over there!

It's a dog collar. It must've died here.

Let's find a place to bury it.

About here seems good.

Rest in peace now, doggy.

I hope you're happy and free there.

Ah! Finally! Finally, I'm back!

Thank you so much! Thank you... *sob, sob...*

We're glad to help. It's just really odd that the dog possessed you while you were trying to save its life.

Now that I think about it, if I'd gotten swept up by the current and caught in those rocks, I would've died.

I think it might've transformed me in order to save me. It must've felt grateful that I jumped in to save it.

If that's true, then you saved each other.

Indeed. If I've learned one thing, it's that we should take better care of animals!

I can't thank you enough for your help.

(A scroll glowing in a crimson light.)

Huh? Why isn't this scroll reacting?

Let me see.

Hm... You're right. It must be broken.

Should we let Sangun know?

Yeah, let's go see him.

What a pleasant surprise. Have you been doing well?

Yes. How are you feeling?

Thank you, I'm much better now. The garden is coming together, and the blessed water is coming along well too.

By the time the blessed water is ready, I think we'll be able to share a glass together.

We'll think about that when it's ready.

So, what brings you here this time?

It seems like there's a scroll that doesn't work in Azure Orchard.

I see. All the misfortunes that have befallen me warped it.

The scrolls are a type of ley line that traces the vein of energy between the starting point and the arrival point.

I assume somewhere in Azure Orchard there's a clot along the scroll's vein that's disrupting the flow of energy. It must be removed.

I'm fine just traveling between the central island and here, but if you're curious, feel free to travel through the scroll.

But don't expect anything too exciting. It'll be like the other floating islands of Azure Orchard.

What do you think, Verna? Wanna go?

Yeah. We should find the clot first.

Here!

Did it work? Let's go to the scroll!

Look over there, Verna. There's a solar halo!

It's moving. Let's follow it!

Oh... We should... We should take this to Sangun.

Oh, you're back. Did you enjoy the adventure?

Sangun, you might want to see this.

Hm? This is...

......

...Thank you. You've helped me recover something very precious.

Well now, it seems like I'm always in debt to you two.

Feel free to come find me if you ever need anything. I'll do my best to help.

But right now... I wish to be alone for bit.

Yes, of course. Let's go, Cloud.

Thank you. Take care now.

...Miho...

We will not let the Void devour this world.

Oh, are you Cloud and... Verna?

Huh? Friar Ragdoll? Why are you...?

No, I'm not Friar Ragdoll. My name is Abyssinian.

I received word from Sister Siamese that something serious had happened as came as quickly as I could.

And... I've already confirmed that a Rift has begun to form.

A Rift?

The boundary between the Void and our world... is gradually collapsing.

Quite literally, rifts have appeared in the boundary of our world.

If we leave them be, void beings will overwhelm our world through them.

What do we need to do?

Enter a rift and defeat the void beings within.

If you can manage that, I can seal it.

There's no telling what might happen inside these rifts, or what you might encounter there.

I know this is an extremely dangerous request, but...

When have we ever gone looking for easy jobs? Leave it to us.

May Bigcat's blessings be with you.

You've done well.

We will not let the Void devour this world.

But to stop it... we desperately need your help.

We're counting on you.