Wings of Steam and Steel

Amid the golden age of the steam engine, there rose a town wreathed in smog and steel.

As its denizens grew satiated with the blessings of this innovative technology, they eventually lost the desire to pursue grand yet distant dreams.

Job skills will play an important role in determining how your story unfolds here. Additionally, a zero-skill Hard Mode is available for players who desire a challenge.

A VR role-playing experience like no other awaits you in Steelwing Chronicle. Soar beyond the steam and seize your dream!

Whoooa! Our trailer's live on the official website! This. Is. So. COOL! It's just like a real trailer!

Huh. Well, it's not terrible.

Haha, looks like it's got the Taishin seal of approval. Ticket, can you play that back again from the start?

Huh?! Hey, who said I wanted to see it again?!

Hey, hey! C'mon, let's play already! You said we could play the game before it's released, right?!

Ooh! I've got an idea! Why don't we play the game on a VR Umalator?

It's a racing simulator, but you can also play online games that are linked to the network, at least that's what I've heard!

Now that you mention it, the director did say something to that effect. Hm. The Umalator would allow players to immerse their senses in the game, smell the scents, feel the breeze, and such. Sounds interesting.

Whooa! That sounds so cool! I wanna try! Let's go! Look out, Umalator, here we come!

First we pick a job, yeah?! I'm gonna go with the "Courier," just like I played in the trailer! That way, I get the "Operate Airplane" skill!

Neither rain, sleet, nor abominable snow creature will stand in the way of a swift delivery! Waaaah, this job's just brimming with passion!

Oh, what about you, Taishin? Are you gonna go for the "Mechawork Engineer"? You really rocked that vibe in the trailer!

When we were filming, the crew said you were just like a real engineer, the way you expertly tightened those bolts and tinkered with those gadgets!

Except I'm not. I was just trying to fit into the game world, and being good with machines seems like it'd be advantageous! That's all!

Culinartiste, Mechawork Designer, Steamrunner... Hrm. There are so many jobs to choose from. It's hard to narrow down the choices.

I think I'll forgo a job and choose Hard Mode! Seems like that'd be the most fun!

You're goin' Hard Mode?! Then sign me up too! I'mma mash that Start button!

What?! Whoa!

So this is the world of Steelwing Chronicle! Aaaaah! I can smell the oil from the machines and the smoke in the air!

Hey, there's a townsperson! They've got a suitcase, so I guess they're traveling?! And the outfits, whooooa! My outfit changed too!

Wow, wow, woooow! I'm dressed just like a Courier! Ooh, and look at you, Taishin! SO COOOOOL!

Pipe down... You've seen these outfits loads of times in the trailer, not to mention you're already familiar with these job classes...

Uh, Hayahide? Your outfit...

...Oh. I guess I entered the game without selecting a job. I'm still in my uniform...

Wait, what?! Hayahide's playing Hard Mode too? So if you don't pick a job, you automatically come in like this?

Ohh... I'm sorry! I already decided on a job, so I hit Start without thinking!

It's fine, Turbo. A little challenge is just what I'm looking for.

R-really? Hehe, then let's rock it on Hard together, Hayahide!

We also have "EX Job Change," which lets us use a one-off job skill! Plus, you've got me by your side. It'll be fine! We'll make it work somehow!

Let's see. To beat the game, we have to clear the missions we're assigned! There's nothing listed, though, so maybe we'll get our instructions later?

Ah, so the information we need is displayed on this screen... You really are a natural at games, Teio. With you on our team, things ought to proceed smoothly.

Ugh...

Whoa! Did that lady just...

Hey, you all right?! Are you hurt anywhere?!

I'm... so... hun... gry...

...What?

Mm... Mgh! This curry's so delicious! Oh man... Gulp, gulp. Hwaaah! Phew! Thanks! I needed that!

Sorry for all the trouble! But I'm right as rain now, thanks to your help!

I'm glad to hear it. However... it was a shock that you collapsed from hunger. Why didn't you eat something before things got so dire?

Um, well... I got so into my research that I kind of forgot to eat. Ahahaha!

Research? What kind of research?!

Hehe, I thought you'd never ask! As a matter of fact...

I'm working on creating a brand-new model of aircraft!

A new airplane? For real?! Wow, that's awesome! I wanna see it!

Huh? But I have piloting skills, which means... airplanes already exist, don't they?

Ah, come to think of it, we saw some flying on the way here. The wings were made of wood, kind of like a toy airplane. Are you saying those are the old models?

Exactly. They can only fly for short periods of time. But what I'm working on is a steel construction that can fly higher, faster, and farther!

Steel? Can something like that truly fly? The engines of this world run on steam, don't they? The sheer burden placed on them would...

Trust me, this bird will fly! I saw the proof with my own eyes!

The steel airplane got so close to flying over the precarious mountains surrounding the town! My eyes were glued to the sky, hoping to see that crucial moment!

I ran after it until it landed! As soon as that hatch was open, I begged the pilot to take me under his wing as an apprentice!

When I saw that plane... I realized for the very first time that I had no idea what lies beyond those mountains.

With automobiles and trains, transporting goods and people is a cinch. Still, there are no roads or rails that go through the mountains.

No one knows what lies beyond... Well, I want to find out!

And I want to show everyone the new world out there too! I want them to dream again! That's why I'm trying to fly over the mountains with my new airplane!

Urgh... Uwaaaaugh! That's soooo relatable! I totally get yooou!

You want to chase your dream and share it with everybody! That's so beautiful!

And you worked so hard you keeled over from hunger! I'm. So. MOVED! I can't even stand iiiiit!

Your dream will definitely come true, 'cause we've got your back! Right, guys?!

...I knew you'd say that.

Aw, c'mon. Doesn't seeing her put her heart and soul into this make you want to help out?!

Yes, she worked herself to the point of collapsing from hunger. She'll need our support if she's to avoid a repeat of the incident.

...Listen, this is all a story in a game...

Well, you're not wrong! But this is probably a mission! Which means, from a gameplay perspective, we need to help her to clear it, right?

...So you're saying we ought to cooperate with her? Sigh... Fine.

Me too, me too! I'll help out too! I wanna build an airplane and fly allll the way over the mountains!

Then it's decided. With the five of us helping, we'll get you on a regular schedule of meals and sleep to supplement your research.

Y-you'd really do that... for me?

Yeah! We want you to achieve your dream! Please, let us help you build your airplane!

...Oh. The mission screen's been updated. "Make the Researcher's Dream Come True." Teio was right.

Whoooa! So this is where the magic happens!

Woooow! And this is the plane you're in the middle of making?! There are no seats! I can see all the plane's insides! Cooool!

T-Turbo! Don't just touch things willy-nilly! Ahh! Th-that was a close call...

...Huh? Why's nobody else here? What about that pilot you were talking about?

You said you chased after the airplane's creator so you could become his apprentice, right?

Oh... Actually, he retired... So it's just me now.

You're doing all this by yourself?! No wonder you fainted!

Speaking of that, I've fallen behind on everything. I don't have time to gather funds, so my research budget is virtually nonexistent... Haha...

Waaaaah! You shouldn't have to bear this burden alone! We'll help yoooou!

We'll do whatever it takes to help you finish your airplaaane!

So, the primary concern now is the lack of funds. If we don't get ahead of that issue, you won't even be able to buy materials.

Then let's work together to gather funds! ...I think the game's set up so you can get rewards for completing tasks for the townsfolk!

Well, I suppose I can take on tasks that require mechanical repairs.

Then leave deliveries to me! I'll deliver like there's no tomorrow and rake in the cash! And that'll make the folks here in the city happy too!

Hey, hey, Hayahide! What about me? Is there something I can do?

Ah... Neither of us have jobs, so I suppose we can utilize the strengths we already have to our advantage. All right, I'll formulate a plan.

Your letter's in good hands! One super express delivery to the next town over, coming right up!

Sorry to keep you waiting! I finished collecting all the items for delivery!

Then we'll split up the letters and fulfill the tasks that fall on the same route! That way we can knock out seventeen whole tasks!

I'm a Courier, so I'll take the letters and jobs that are the farthest out! Teio, Turbo, can you handle the stuff closer to home?

Nrrrrgh!

Turbo, that box looks really heavy! Do you want me to take care of it instead?

...I'm fine! You showed me the shortcut, so all I have to do is run! The heaviness is a challenge... Hehe... And challenges fire me up!

Haha, that's Turbo for you. We're counting on you! Let's meet back up later!

If I tighten the bulb like this... that ought to... There! The washer's good as new!

Well done, Taishin. You're really good with your hands.

Well, I am a Mechawork Engineer. And I could increase the output thanks to your advice.

The manual I borrowed from the workshop came in handy. Looking at it side by side with the actual machine helped immensely.

By acquiring knowledge in this way, perhaps we could apply it to our airplane research...

What's that about airplanes and research? Oh, I recognize you. You were with the young lady from the workshop.

Indeed. We're assisting her with her research.

Huh? Ahaha! Aw, you shouldn't take her dream talk seriously! There's no way a hulking lump of metal can fly!

But she said she saw an airplane of steel do just that.

Oh, you mean the test model the old researcher made. That one did fly for a bit, but everything that came after ended in failure.

He threw in the towel eventually, though, and retired. I hope that girl snaps out of it and gets her feet back on the ground too.

Excuse me?

We've got trains, ships, automobiles... What use is an airplane? She's a smart gal, so she could easily get a job as an automotive engineer.

...

Thanks for the word of caution. We'll take our leave now.

What's with her? Making fun of someone's dream like that... "Get a job as an automotive engineer." Who the hell asked her?

It's probably only out of concern. Flight tests come with risks, and with the way our friend works herself to the bone, the concern is warranted.

That doesn't give her an excuse to shoot her mouth off! Saying "give up" like it's the simplest thing... It makes me so mad!

Getting a steel frame airplane into the air is far from easy. I think she's coming from a place of care, telling her to choose another path before she gets hurt.

And I'm telling you, no one asked for her opinion...

But she's not giving up. It's likely she can see her way clear to success. In other words, we have to get others to understand that by...

...showing them that it can work. That it is possible.

We'll get her airplane flying and prove the naysayers wrong!

Yes, that's my goal as well. As if I'd take that woman's warning to heart.

...Huh. You're angrier than I thought.

Why wouldn't I be? Well, given the research funds we've collected, I think we can consider this part of the job done.

It's about time we began helping with the research in earnest. Would you mind if we stopped by the workshop? I want to borrow some research notes.

Huff... puff... H'llo! I got... those replacement machine parts you asked for!

Thanks! You're a lifesa, whoa, did you carry that box by hand?! Why didn't you take a car?

I'm faster than any car! So? Where should I put this? Just say the word and I'll carry it wherever!

Wow, you're a huge help! Then, could I ask you to put it over there?

Hello! I stacked the boxes of ingredients you ordered out back. Could you check that it's all accounted for?

Sure thing! Wait, you delivered all twelve boxes by yourself?! And you're already done? I thought it'd take at least three trips.

Huh? I just carried them all at once.

Hoo-wee! You must have an amazing sense of balance!

Thanks for entrusting your deliveries to us! We've completed all your requests!

What? Already?! The delivery locations were all over the place! Heck, there was even that one stop at the foot of the mountain!

Hehe! It was just a hop, skip, and jump across the rooftops! If you have other orders you want us to fill, then we'd be happy to take care of them!

No, I think we're fine for now. But, wow, you're just bursting with vitality, aren't you? How can you keep up that pep?

Actually, we're trying to put together funds for research! For the steel airplane!

We're helping build a brand-new model! Amazing, right?!

Airplane, you say?! You're seriously trying to make that death trap fly? Forget about it! One crash, and you're toast!

I heard that after the prototype flopped, one of the two developers just gave up on being a researcher entirely.

Gave up? You mean the plane's creator did?

Yeah. I bet he got too scared to even look at one of the contraptions. He left the broken remains of the aircraft in the field where it crashed.

Whaaat?! The wreckage is still there?!

This adjustment may take some more time... Sorry for making you wait.

It's not a problem. I'll be reading past research notes, so take your time.

...I see. The body of the craft couldn't handle the increase in internal pressure, so he changed the material... Ah, so that's what this formula means.

He arrived at this material by recalculating the output over and over. Additionally, he took great pains to compensate for any issues that cropped up during the test flights...

Her teacher's belief in his success didn't waver. He thought if he could tackle every problem as it arose, the plane would fly. And through trial and error, he got very close to flying over the mountains!

He achieved so much! ...We can't allow his efforts to be in vain after everything.

That airplane is the culmination of his labor of love!

The wreckage from the last test flight? I haven't retrieved it because I've no means to do so.

You need a specialized truck to move it. My teacher had one he designed himself, but... Well, that plane was the last straw. He retired after the flight failed.

You didn't ask him to at least retrieve the airplane?

I couldn't, I thought it'd be asking too much. That airplane... It was designed to my specifications, so the failure was all on me.

It's all my fault... I'm the one who drove him to retirement...

So that's why the current model doesn't reflect data from the old prototype.

Hayahide! Taishin! Welcome back!

Thanks. I read through the research notes in between job requests. As such, I have a pretty good grasp of the current situation.

If we want our research to progress, there's no better data set than what we can glean from the actual model. Let's get that truck and bring the wreck in.

But... I'm the one who robbed my teacher of his dreams. I can't take yet another thing he put his heart and soul into and...

That's an excuse, and you know it. In reality, you're afraid to look at that airplane.

You want to run, to turn your face away from your failure!

Gasp! You're wrong! I'm thinking of my teacher...

My blunder was so huge that he didn't even return to the workshop! What makes you think he'd want to look at the biggest mistake he's ever made?!

Is that truly what you think? Then it's all the more vital that you look back on your teacher's notes and know the truth! Because...

Wh-wh-what's gotten into you, Hayahide?! You're being really harsh...

Calm down, Hayahide. ...That goes for you too.

Right... My apologies. I got carried away...

As did I. I'm sorry. I'll go and cool my head...

Ah... Wait! Sorry! I'll be right back!

Her teacher retiring is part of the reason she refuses to face up to her past mistake.

But she ought to know better than anyone that her teacher's legacy is stamped indelibly on that airplane...

It was there in those research notes, all the countless hours of effort. I could feel it just reading the pages, so I imagine she'd know better than I...

You did read those notes cover to cover. It seemed like you found useful hints in there.

Of course. Those notes are the result of years of effort. I wanted to ensure that all that hard work didn't go to waste!

He confronted his mistakes by addressing them one by one. No matter how many obstacles he faced, he kept recalculating his winning formula!

And while there were still mistakes, he was getting closer each time! He was getting positive results!

Whether he succeeded or not, the proof of his dedication remains. Failure is but a stepping stone to the heights of success! It's part of this project's history!

I think her teacher's findings should be integrated into the next test model. If she won't do it, then we'll do it in her stead.

Let's meet with her teacher, borrow his truck, and bring that plane back to the workshop!

Wait. Isn't he retired, though? And our friend's been going out of her way to avoid him.

What if he really is trying to forget the past? Shouldn't we leave him alone?

...I don't want to remember races I lost either, so I focus on winning the next one. I'd rather paint over bitter defeat with victory.

...No, I think there's value in looking back to the past. Your efforts are not in vain, that applies to invention as well as racing.

It's all about building on the things you've learned from your experiences. There are lessons to be learned from failure too.

...I guess that's your truth, Hayahide.

Hmm... Well, why don't we start by talking to this teacher? We've just got to know how to approach him, is all!

At this rate, even if the next test succeeds, our friend won't truly be happy, right? That's why I want to find him too!

I totally agree! We won't know how he feels until we actually meet him!

Uhh, ummm... I wanna see the plane fly! And we need the old one to do that, right? So yeah, count me in too!

...Fine. I'm in too.

All righty, let's head to his house... Wait. Where does he even live?!

Ooh! I know! He's working as a steam engine... repair guy? He's at the station!

Huh?! How do you know that, Turbo?

I talked with a bunch of people about the airplane while I was out making deliveries. They told me where he works!

Way to go! Now we know where to find him!

Hehe! I'll take you guys straight to him! Follow me!

...You want to haul the prototype in? Be my guest. So long as you do it yourselves, I won't stop you.

Thank you. There's one more thing... I'm sorry to ask this, but would you mind if we borrowed your vehicle to do it?

Hey, hey! So how far did your plane fly? Did it get up into the clouds? Were they fluffy?!

T-Turbo, you're bombarding the poor man with questions!

Heh... So you want to go for a ride in the plane?

Yep! I wanna make one too! I wonder how amazing the new plane will be! I can't wait to find out!

Haha! Look at that... You have that sparkle in your eye. You remind me of my apprentice, when I first met her.

Though lately... she looks like she's sinking under the weight of her burdens.

Oh! Does that mean you're keeping an eye on her, even now?

Then you should talk to her! You'd make her day! I'm sure it'd motivate her to keep going with her research!

...That's the reason I can't talk to her. Nothing good'll come of sticking my nose in where it doesn't belong.

I get it... You thought you'd be a burden to her, so you stepped back from working together.

...Is that true?

...I have no intention of adding to her troubles. But, somewhere in my heart, I'm praying for her.

She believes wholeheartedly in her dream, so I pray that she can make it come true.

You're putting your hopes in her.

You're right, having great expectations put on your shoulders can be tough.

And that pressure can hold you back... So I kinda get why you don't want to talk to your old student.

'Cause sometimes, it feels like the moment you fail to meet those expectations, you'll get crushed under their weight...

But... even then...

No matter how heavy they get, I'm happy to have them, because it means people are counting on me. I want them to count on me!

Having someone cheering me on motivates me to do whatever it takes to make them proud!

It doesn't change the burden, but it's because those expectations are heavy that I've gained the strength to bear them without getting crushed!

Prez waited patiently for me, knowing that I would succeed.

What about you? Do you believe in your student? Or do you think she's so weak that she'll buckle under the pressure?

...Don't be daft. Once I gave her a task, she kept at it until it was done perfectly. She's got more grit than anybody I know.

Hehe. Yeah. Plus, she's got super-talented geniuses like us to help her!

Yeah, yeah! I'm going full turbo to help too! So you don't have to worry, we've got her back!

Heh... If you say so. Well, you need my truck, right? Then follow me.

This is... considerably rustier than I was expecting! Can it even move?

Probably. If we can get it running, then I think we're in business. It'll need a boost, though.

The "how" is pretty straightforward. We help it along by giving it a push. The tricky part is making sure we focus on driving our force in the same direction.

Meaning it won't be easy with a bunch of people. One person will have to do the pushing... but the truck's pretty heavy. I don't know if any of you can move it.

I'll do it! I wanna do it! All I've gotta do is push, right?

If there's even the slightest chance we can get the truck moving, then we'll take it! Hit it with your turbo boost, Double Jet!

That's Twin Turbo! You got the "turbo boost" part right, so why'd you mess up my name?!

Here goes! Hrraaaaagh!

Ngggggh!

Huff... puff... huff... Dangit, this is tough! But I'm gonna fly that plane no matter what! I'll never give up!

Turbo boooost!

Rrraaaaagh! Moooove!

Her outfit changed?! Ohh! This is the "EX Job Change" thing in action!

Ah, the skill that can only be activated once! And she's changed jobs to... Steamrunner!

Hngh! Nrrrrrrgh! Graaaaah! Urraagh!

She's got a jetpack and it's still not enough?!

It... is... enough! Hrrrrgh! I will get this truck moving!

I'll get the truck moving! I'm gonna fly that plane! I just gotta push harder! Mooooove!

Turbo!

I'm not giving up! I won't lose! Never! Kyahahaha, bring it ooooon!

Hgh! Ngggrrraaaaah!

It moved!

Gooooo! Moooove!

This is Ticket! Go straight for a while, then VROOM into that left curve. Then when the engine goes SCREEE, you'll find the plane!

Teio here! I have no idea what any of that means, so give me proper directions! Over!

So this is the prototype... The wings are damaged, but the engine seems to be intact. If that's the case, we can restore the machine.

...Taishin, can you handle this?

Hm. I'll need to take it apart so it can be loaded onto the truck. I'll work on fixing what I can while I'm at it.

Whoa... Amazing...

(You can see the minute adjustments they've made in the angle of the welding, and there are other signs of the insides being reworked. Hayahide was right, it's clear a lot of time and effort went into this plane...)

(But... even with all the adjustments, they couldn't reach their goal...)

How's it looking, Taishin?! Do you think you can use your talents as a Mechawork Engineer to fix the plane?

Huh? Uh... Hm? There's a component that's not included in her current test model. Is this the change she said caused the crash? But...

I don't think it's a mistake... If anything, the plane probably flew as far as it did because of her addition. The improvements we need to make are obvious at a glance too.

For real?! I'm soooo relieved! I bet that'll take away from some of the guilt she was feeling!

...

(I used to think... I didn't need to dwell on mistakes or losses. After all, why would I want to wallow in my own weakness?)

(But now...)

We've finished loading the wreckage. Teio, you can drive it back to the workshop.

Wh-wh-whoa! Yikes!

It seems it won't steer properly due to the heavy load. I miscalculated, I thought that driving this truck would be the same as driving any other vehicle.

Maybe, but it's too soon to call it quits just yet!

It's just a little setback, but we're not going to let it stop us! We're gonna see that plane fly!

One genius driver, at your service! With my super truck-driving techniques, getting this baby to our destination will be a piece of cake!

We worked our butts off to get this thing moving. We can't let everyone's hard work go to waste!

I'll pull off something even more impressive than Double Turbo!

That's Twin Turbo! Oh! But you got half of it right!

All right, everyone! We're gonna floor it!

Oof... Owww...

Hn? I thought I heard a voice... Oh!

Ticket here! There's another vehicle coming up from behind you! The driver's yelling something!

Vehicle? Oh! Yeah, I see it! It's coming at us super fast!

Waaaait! Give it baaaack! Darn airplane thieeeves!

A-airplane thieves?! Stop the truck!

I see. You're hauling the plane on behalf of its owner. Understood.

I'm glad we could clear up this misunderstanding. However, who are you? Why were you chasing after us, or rather, the airplane?

I make a living studying metals, and I've been making trips out here to examine the wreckage. I'd appreciate it if you didn't remove my precious specimen!

'Scuse you, but this plane belongs to us.

Yes, so it would seem. That's why I'm asking you to give it to me!

I'm afraid that's not possible. As you can see, we've already retrieved the plane. We want to use its technology as a springboard for the next test model.

Well, that's excellent news! Actually, I was examining this aircraft's engine, and its specs were most impressive!

I wondered what sort of eccentric would attempt to fly in this hunk of metal, but there's plenty in the design to convince me that it's quite possible!

Would the aircraft be able to fly if a different metal is used? Perhaps if we used a steel alloy of my own composition!

I would love to see a plane made from my steel alloy take to the sky! I'm quite invested, you see.

So you're saying this plane inspired your dream too?!

You're just like our friend! This plane is the common thread that binds you! H-how emotional! Waaaaagh!

...The old engineer's plane called to this researcher.

(If the plane hadn't crashed... If we hadn't come to retrieve it... Then we never would have met this person.)

(Hayahide said mistakes are part of this project's history... Maybe this is what she meant.)

(I'm also here as a result of my history. If I won every single race with ease...)

(...My relationships with everybody would probably be very different.)

...Hey.

Listen... Would you mind... lending us your help?

There's... We've got someone who works mainly on the research side. We'd like you to come with us and lend her a hand.

Taishin!

Hehehe. You beat me to the punch. I'd be honored to join the research team!

Y-you actually... retrieved the airplane? Huh? But that means you spoke with...

Your old teacher to borrow the truck, yeah. Look, I understand how you feel, but could you take a look at the plane anyway?

I think... you'll learn a lot from it. A lot of important lessons.

... It's so beat up... Oh, but the internal workings are...

Oh, wow! Not a single broken pipe! Me and my teacher went through a lot of trial and error to find something that could best withstand the internal pressure!

Aah, this durability... So his theory was correct! Does that mean the cylinders are okay too?!

So, hey. Why'd you use two layers of glass for the cockpit window? It makes it harder to see outside, and it makes the plane heavier!

Oh, that's because my teacher gets cold easily! We used double-paned glass to keep the elements from getting in the plane.

We compensated with lighter seats and instruments, but it wasn't easy! See those stitches? If you cut along the seam and take out the insides...

Haha! The stitching in this spot is all over the place! What other customizations did you make?

...Everything. All of it! Every part of this plane is filled with the quirks of me and my teacher!

I remember now... He'd always smile while he was working... You could feel the childlike excitement rolling off him in waves.

He'd talk with such fervor about flying beyond the mountains! And I thought we'd soar over them together, but...

You can still be the torchbearer of that passion. You can carry your shared effort and dreams on the wings of your airplane.

...! I thought I robbed him of his dream... I didn't want to face up to what I'd done... I didn't want to acknowledge why I failed!

But... I finally get it. I have to acknowledge the good and bad associated with this airplane. I have to continue my teacher's research... I have to carry on his dream!

I'll bear the torch of his efforts and light the way to success!

I've been waiting for you to say that.

It's not us who'll carry on your teacher's dream, only you can do that. You're the only one who knows how much he put into achieving it.

Now that that's out of the way, allow me to help. It's time to EX Job Change!

From what I've seen of the research notes, you're particularly skilled in crafting engines. Therefore, I'll focus on drafting. Numbers are my forte, so leave them to me!

D-drafting?! Then, I'd like to get your opinion on something...

Of course. We'll go over even the most minute of details. Also, there's another researcher who's taken an interest in the airplane. We brought her with us.

You took so long to introduce me, I thought you'd forgotten I was here! Well met. I specialize in metallurgy, if you want to know about metals, then I'm your woman!

Oh, right! It's a pleasure to meet you! So you're also interested in pursuing research on steel airplanes?

Indeed. As a matter of fact, I'd like to jump right in with a suggestion! How about using this alloy for the engine? It's composed of iron ore and a recently produced mineral...

What? It really possesses those kinds of properties?! Please, tell me the specific numbers from your findings!

Oho, so the properties of iron in this world do differ from ours. I thought it had an exceedingly wide range of applications.

If we can actually lighten it that much, then placing the engine here and adjusting the size of the wings based on the value of X would...

Haha, they're getting on like they've known each other for ages! Their research is bound to progress a ton!

When I think of how her teacher's efforts will finally bear fruit... Uwaaaagh! I'm so glad! It's all thanks to Hayahideee!

Yeah. They're learning from past failures to recalculate a new and better formula. That's Hayahide for you!

Hey, Tickezo. If mistakes aren't meant to stay as mistakes, then the same goes for unfulfilled dreams. There's someone we need to talk to.

Yeah! Let's go together, Teio!

Delivery for you!

...A piece of paper? What's this for?

It's an express ticket to your dreams!

We're gonna do the test flight at the time and place written on that ticket!

...! You don't say... I hope it goes well.

Wait! Your protégé said she's going to make your dream come true!

We retrieved the old plane, and she's integrated your combined research into the new model.

She completed construction because she wanted to see your hopes bear fruit. Don't you want to be there with her when the time comes?

But... my dream's already...

It's still alive! Because your student took up the torch!

Everything'll turn out all right! My ticket is a one-way express to certain victory!

Now, the two boarding will be the pilot, that's you, Ticket... and Taishin, who'll handle any repairs as needed.

Whaaaat? I wanna ride the plane! Lemme on, lemme on! Let. Me. Ooooon!

Can this plane only seat two?

Wouldn't three be okay? Taishin and Turbo are both so small. They could all fit!

What?! I don't want to hear that from you!

Hm... Based on my calculations, that shouldn't be an issue. If problems crop up, Taishin can handle them with her mechanical know-how.

So I can ride the plane? Yaaaay!

Sigh... Geez.

I could only complete the aircraft thanks to your help... This time... it has to fly. Please, let this be a success!

Whoa...

We did iiiiit! It's in the air! It's really flyiiiiing! Waaaaah!

We're flyiiiiing! Amazing! Taishin, look down there! Teio and the others look so small!

Can you both lower your volume? This cockpit is too small to handle your double trouble!

All right! Full speed ahead to the mountains and beyond! Here gooooes!

Rise in altitude confirmed. I'm confident they'll clear the mountain range.

Amazing... We might... We might actually make it!

You've got me, super genius Teio on your side, so your success is guaranteed! Hmm, I wonder what's on the other side? ♪ I can't wait to find out!

Mountains, mountains, and more mountains! Ohh, but look over there! Do you see that? A city! I think it's a city!

Over where? ...Oh, you're right. Wait, what?! Are those robots?! They're huge!

Ahaha! Awesome! We should land and, agh! We can't! We've almost used up half our fuel!

Awwww! But I wanna see the robot city! C'mon, Ticket! You can do it if you really try!

Yeah! We totally can!

Are you two insane?!

A city filled with giant robots?! No way! Do they serve as the city's workforce?!

Dunno. We could have asked if we'd been able to land. I wish we could have seen more of the city up close!

We'll work on raising the fuel efficiency so we can fly farther out! Our next goal is to land in the robot city! And then...

Huff, huff... Oh! There she is! Hey, lady! You're the one that flew that plane, arent'cha?

You flew it over the mountains, didn'tcha?! What was it like? Tell us!

Wh-whoa! Where'd all the kids come from?! And there's a bunch of grown-ups too!

You're the ones who flew that plane over the mountains?! Well, color me surprised! Glad you got back safe and sound!

I didn't think that giant hunk of metal would ever fly... I owe you an apology for calling your goal "dream talk."

I heard you talking about a city with giant robots just now! I want to go there too! Airplanes really are a marvel!

The townsfolk have come around... Oh!

Gasp! Sir!

I... saw the test flight from here. Congratulations.

Yeah! It's all thanks to you. And your research notes. And the fact that we met... It's all led up to this moment!

So you're her teacher?! I've been wanting to speak to you! Your engine design gave me the idea to create a brand-new alloy!

My airplane... Really. You don't say! My dream... My long years of research... They weren't for nothing!

Hehe! I'd say we did a pretty good job, huh?

Waaaugh! I'm overjoyed... I can't express how much! Congratulations! I'M SO TOUCHED!

Haha! You're sobbing more than usual. Ah, but I suppose it's time we got back.

...How long are you going to cry?

I can't help it... It reminded me of the Derby I saw when I was a kid and how everyone looked so bright on stage. The winner and the losers were all shining stars!

I want to shine like that, and let others bask in that same glow! The way our friend and her teacher did! I want to be a part of a legacy of dreams just like that!

And when I started thinking about that, I felt my chest swelling with emotion! Waaaaagh!

Sigh... Crying over someone else's dreams... You sure have a lot of heart to go around, Ticket.

However, I too have the same desire to leave a legacy. I want others to be inspired when they see me run.

And I want to do that with everyone here.

Heh... If you say so.

Hehe, guess we're birds of a feather then! 'Cause I wanna inspire people just like Prez does!

I... don't really get it! I just turbo boost my way through everything! That's all I need!

Haha! Seeing you go full speed ahead gives us loads of dreams and inspiration, Teacher Twin Turbo!