A Promise Beyond Time/Story

Daydreaming Adventurer
Helena
 * All right, let me try to explain this again, using small words. I am looking for some records. They are very old. They were left by a person called Montana, and...

Dwarf
 * Montana? Hrmmm. Yeah, yeah, I might've seen somethin' like that once.

Helena
 * You have!?

Dwarf
 * But...well, I was focused on my own work, so I don't recall where that might've been, eh?

Dwarf
 * If yeh want to have a look 'round here, yer more than welcome to do so on yer own.

Helena
 * ...Right. Well then. Thanks.

Helena
 * Hahhh... Marvelous. Nothing quite like searching for a needle in a haystack. Well, I'll show you just how stubborn an adventurer can be!

Helena
 * Ow-ow-owww...

Helena
 * Seriously! "Focused on my own work," he says—like that's even possible when there are monsters all around!

Helena
 * No... I remember now. He wrote about it in "The Montana Chronicles"...

Helena
 * "To the dwarves of the deep, living alongside monsters is a part of their culture and identity." I'm pretty sure that's how it went.

Helena
 * It's definitely true that the dwarves' forgework is amazing. It's like nothing any human could ever make.

Helena
 * That's it! I won't be outdone here! I know that this is where the next chapter of my glorious adventure will unfold!

Helena
 * This is it! This is undoubtedly Montana's hand!

Helena
 * What does it say... "The Ancient Peoples...of the Dark Continent Gronoa"...

Helena
 * "In ancient times, this world was home to many sapient creatures—many more than the humans and dwarves known to most today."

Helena
 * "In Gronoa, the land also known as the Dark Continent, one such long-lived race yet lives...in secret..." Huh?

Helena
 * ...Damn it, the pages are burnt! I can't read the rest of it!

Helena
 * Looks like that settles it. The Dark Continent. Sounds like an adventure.

Helena
 * And look, he even left me a map. So I guess I'll just have to go and find out for myself what he was talking about. Or I'm no adventurer!

The Underground Pass
Helena
 * Hah... First getting a ride on a pirate ship...and then having to row all the rest of the way by hand...

Helena
 * It was a tough trip, but... Look at this miasma! This has to be Gronoa!

Helena
 * So...according to the chronicles... "The castle was constructed underground. By the skilled hand of a certain..." "Pass through the great tunnel...reach the world above..."

Helena
 * There are so many gaps in the record, and in all the most important parts, too! But the "tunnel"... That's enough to give me some ideas.

Helena
 * But I won't last long in this miasma. If I'm going to keep moving, it's going to have to be underground. So let's see...

Helena
 * "A warning for those who would follow in my stead... The path you seek is infested with monsters."

Helena
 * Ngh... I've got no choice! I don't know how I can beat those monsters, but...I'm not giving up now!

Helena
 * Hah... Statues that move and attack? Are those some kind of relic of the ancient world as well?

Helena
 * Well, then, great! I guess that means I'm on the right track!

Helena
 * ...But I do also want to live through this trip. Maybe I should have at least hired a bodyguard or something.

???
 * Who's there!? You human!?

Helena
 * M-me!? What about you!?

???
 * You're not from these parts, huh? Going from that book you're clutching, I guess you must be some kinda scholar or something?

Helena
 * An adventurer. My name is Helena.

???
 * An adventurer? In this day and age? Didn't think anyone was still fool enough to do a thing like that...

Helena
 * Well, what about you then? What are you doing in a place like this if you're not in search of adventure?

???
 * I'm here for Zol—

???
 * Nothing. Never mind. I'm not supposed to say anything. It's all top-secret, so just...um... Let me try that again. *ahem*

???
 * You may call me Camille. I am a wandering mercenary.

Camille
 * I came to this land to test myself. It is a harsh place, quite dangerous for a defenseless traveler like yourself.

Helena
 * Um...did you just totally change the way that you talk? Why are you acting so stiff all of a sudden?

Camille
 * I know not what you speak of! I-I speak only as I always have!

Camille
 * More importantly, this place is full of many dangers. You should leave at once...

Helena
 * This is perfect! A mercenary is exactly what I need! I was just thinking that I could use a guard.

Camille
 * Wha...?

Helena
 * I'll pay you once we're finished! I just want to get to the underground castle that's through here. So come with me, please!

Camille
 * H-hold your horses! Er, no, I mean—do not get ahead of yourself, adventurer! I am not your servant to command!

Helena
 * You sure? This is going to be a tough path to take, even with a guard...

Camille
 * Look here, you... *ahem* You did not answer my earlier question. What is it that you are here for? Why do you call yourself an adventurer?

Camille
 * In this age of airship travel, to set off upon your own two feet in pursuit of your dreams... It is curiously old-fashioned. And dangerous.

Helena
 * Montana. That legendary adventurer is the one who inspired me to set out on this path.

Camille
 * Montana? The one from the fairy tales?

Helena
 * He was real! His travel chronicles were my grandfather's greatest treasure!

Helena
 * When I was little, I was sickly and always stuck indoors. So I read all the time.

Helena
 * And that was how I encountered Montana's writings. And he changed my life. Him and "The Montana Chronicles."

Camille
 * What is this? An old notebook? It's all hand-written... You mean...this really is...?

Helena
 * That's right! The old tales were true!

Helena
 * But...no one will believe me when I tell them that. That's why I decided to follow in his footsteps and prove the tales true.

Camille
 * I see... Your body may be weak, but your spirit clearly is not.

Helena
 * According to the records that I've deciphered, there should be a castle up ahead this way.

Camille
 * A castle? Underground? Now that sounds like a fairy tale.

Helena
 * Well, you'll see for yourself whether it is true or not. If you just come with me!

Camille
 * My, my... I guess I've got nothing to lose...

Camille
 * I was told to check this place out anyway. If that girl's any kind of decent adventurer, she might know some things that'll help me with that.

Camille
 * But...I'm gonna have to be careful to keep up my act. *ahem* Yes. I shall endeavor to keep her from realizing the truth.

Camille
 * To travel across the world, chasing after a dream... It is a curiously old-fashioned thing to do. And dangerous.

Helena
 * He was real! His travel chronicles were my grandfather's greatest treasure!

Helena
 * And that was how I encountered Montana's writings. And he changed my life. Him and "The Montana Chronicles."

Camille
 * But...I'm gonna have to be careful about how I talk. I should try to sound more like Fohlen, probably... *ahem* Yes. That is what I shall do.

Helena
 * Look! An underground castle! Montana wasn't lying!

Helena
 * It's not just a fairy tale! This is real!

Camille
 * You really go in for this stuff, huh? I mean, you seem very fond of such adventuring.

Helena
 * It's what life is all about!

Helena
 * Is this...ancient writing!? "Bran will..." Something, something, and then... "Lunera..."

Camille
 * Can you read it?

Helena
 * I can't decipher it all on my own. I'll copy it down for later, though. This writing...

Helena
 * It's definitely elven! Ancient elves really did live here!

Camille
 * Elves and an underground castle... I really do feel like we've wandered straight into some kind of fairy tale.

Helena
 * Let's go! I want to know what kind of people lived here.

Encounter with the Unknown
???
 * Oh... A person!

???
 * Are you all right!? You're not injured?

???
 * I...I'm...starving...

???
 * You must need food. It's not much, but...you're welcome to some of my bread.

???
 * Thank you, Lunera. I swear on the honor of my name that I, Ruggles, will repay you for this.

Lunera
 * It's fine. It is simply our good fortune that we were brought together.

Ruggles
 * A dwarf never forgets his debts. You can ask me to do anything for you. My life is yours to command.

Lunera
 * ...All right. Then I will count on you to keep me safe on my way back. I was feeling uneasy about making the trip on my own.

Ruggles
 * Of course!

Lunera
 * I've never before met a dwarf here, in all the times that I've visited this place.

Lunera
 * Where are your people? Mustn't you tend to your forges?

Ruggles
 * I...came to this land looking for ore.

Lunera
 * I see... And so you were here...when the great disaster struck...

Ruggles
 * The land...broke in two. And I was separated from all the others I have been alone ever since.

Ruggles
 * Lunera, do you live with others of your kind? Didn't the elves also hide themselves away after what happened?

Lunera
 * Yes... I live together with my husband. There used to be more of us, but...they had a hard time adjusting to this land.

Lunera
 * Oh, I've just thought of something! Mr. Ruggles, I would like you to come meet my husband.

Lunera
 * He is a wise man. He might know where to find other dwarves, or at least be able to help guide you to where they might be.

Ruggles
 * I don't imagine that an elf would want to help a dwarf like me.

Lunera
 * Oh? Yet I helped you.

Lunera
 * Both of our races are wasting away and disappearing. Don't you think it might be time we forget our past discord...and find a way to survive together in this land?

Lunera
 * Bran! I am back!

Bran
 * So you were out wandering on your own again? Why must you always expose yourself to such danger? If you just stayed in the castle...

Bran
 * And what is this dwarf doing here? Obviously he is not an acquaintance of yours.

Lunera
 * You are being rude, my dear. His name is Ruggles...

Ruggles
 * Yes, the name's Ruggles. Miss Lunera saved me. I served as her guard on the way here to repay her.

Bran
 * Hmph. Then you have done your duty. Now leave. Consider your debt prepaid.

Ruggles
 * ...Yes, that I will.

Lunera
 * Wait! Both of you! Why do you have to fight!?

Lunera
 * Ruggles was left stranded here during the great disaster. Are you really able to turn your eyes from such pain? Do not the proud race of elves have a duty to aid those in need of our help?

Bran
 * It was humans who started that war. And it was the dwarves who shared in their crimes by digging into the earth for its iron and making the humans their weapons.

Lunera
 * Why must you look only to the past? The loneliness of this man, the loneliness you see on display right before you, is no different from the loneliness we ourselves have felt, is it?

Lunera
 * The time we have spent here has been so... *koff!* *koff!*

Ruggles
 * That cough... Is that miasma sickness!?

Lunera
 * Please...my darling. Pleaseteach him what he needs to know to find his home...and let him stay until then.

Bran
 * ...It seems I have little choice. Ruggles, was it?

Bran
 * I will let you stay in this castle for a time. You may search the accumulated knowledge of my people for the answers you seek, then go.

Ruggles
 * ...Indeed?

Bran
 * What does it matter... This castle is empty. And what do I care who enters it now? It will never again be what I want it to be.

A Faint Hope
Lunera
 * * koff!* *koff!* Ungh...

Ruggles
 * So it's true, is it? That elves are more vulnerable to miasma that we dwarves are?

Lunera
 * It will be fine... Don't worry about me...

Lunera
 * All you need to worry about now is finding your people.

Bran
 * Tracking down perfect strangers to inflict yourself upon them? You dwarves really do have disgusting hobbies.

Ruggles
 * I thought there were more of you elves around. That's what I'd heard.

Bran
 * And what of it?

Ruggles
 * Lunera...is suffering from the same illness that got the rest of your kind... Or am I wrong?

Bran
 * What does it matter if you are right? We are elves. We will not fight against our fate. We respect nature's will.

Ruggles
 * You consider it respect to stand aside and watch your loved ones die!? You elves make no sense at all!

Bran
 * Be silent! Did not all of this begin because you dwarves defied the natural way of things, lending your strength to the humans!?

Ruggles
 * We dwarves have nothing against nature. We just want to understand what there is to it, that's all.

Ruggles
 * There might still be some of those trees left that can neutralize miasma...or at the very least, some of their stumps.

Bran
 * Don't you dare interfere. We elves will not throw aside our pride. We will not fight our fate.

Ruggles
 * Don't see how it's got anything to do with your pride what I decide to do.

Bran
 * Foolish dwarf...

Bran
 * Can't he even see the flow of life...and where that flow meets its natural end?

Bran
 * Hmph... It would appear that even the great vigor of the dwarves is not enough to overcome the miasma.

Bran
 * ...So quiet now. Quiet as the eternal rest that now approaches. And yet...

Lunera
 * My darling...tell me. Where is Ruggles?

Bran
 * How would I know? Do not bother yourself with the likes of that dwarf.

Lunera
 * Why must you always say such things? Do you truly not understand!? We are alone, Bran! There is no one else!

Lunera
 * You think I can feel at peace, living like that? You think I can sleep easily, knowing that... *koff* *koff*

Bran
 * Please... You must rest...

Lunera
 * My darling...

Bran
 * Perhaps it is good to admire the scenery outside once in a while. And if I happen to see any other races while admiring the view...I will let you know.

Bran
 * Ugh... The air here really is... quite harsh... We should still be in the same world, and yet...what is this? Is this the punishment the elves earned for standing by and watching the war unfold?

Bran
 * What is that!?

Ruggles
 * Just...just a little bit...farther...

Bran
 * What are you doing!?

Bran
 * Get away from there! If you fall from there, you'll die!

Ruggles
 * This is a sprout...of the tree that can neutralize the miasma's poisons.

Bran
 * But that's...the tree of purification! So it even grows here...

Ruggles
 * If we bring this back with us, we should be able to make the medicine we need to heal Lunera's affliction. Your people have lived in this land a long time. Why didn't you ever search for it?

Bran
 * It is illogical, isn't it? You may laugh at me and my foolish pride... But I did not wish to expose anyone else to the dangers of the miasma. But my decision...ended up with everyone...

Ruggles
 * Save your regrets for later! For now we've got to get past the monsters on the road as quickly as we can to show this to Lunera!

Bran
 * ...I truly never thought the day would come when I would fight alongside a dwarf.

The Masterless Castle
Helena
 * I've seen something like this before...This is a dwarven building plan.

Helena
 * And that... Those are records written in elvish. I'll just make a little sketch of them before we move on.

Camille
 * You're really good at this, huh? Erm. Ahem. I mean, your skills are quite impressive. You must be quite the scholar.

Helena
 * Knowledge is the tool that allows us to save our greatest tales from becoming no more than, well, just tales.

Helena
 * Next I'll need to get a record of... What is that!?

Helena
 * I knew it! These are dwarven tools! It's just like Montana wrote in his great chronicles... The elves and dwarves really did live together once!

Helena
 * Our fairy tales tell us that the elves and dwarves hated one another. But really...

Camille
 * You think it was different?

Helena
 * No... I'd say it was probably true in most cases.

Helena
 * The elves loved nature, so of course they thought the dwarves savages for pillaging the natural world for its resources.

Camille
 * But you... You've found signs that both elves and dwarves lived here in this castle, right?

Helena
 * Exactly! So how did these dwarves and elves manage to get along and live together?

Helena
 * If I study this place, I'm sure I'll figure it out!

Camille
 * The secret to living in peace with a hated foe... If we could bring that secret back to the empire, it would be more than worth our while.

Helena
 * It's a letter...written in elvish. I wonder who it was for? It's not finished.

Camille
 * Can you read it?

Helena
 * Without a dictionary...only bits and pieces.

Helena
 * "To my beloved husband, Bran, and...my curious friend..."

Helena
 * Sorry. It's no good. The grammar is too hard for me to figure out on my own. I can only make out words here and there."Farewell"..."sorrow"..."home"...?

Camille
 * Sounds like the writer was a goner... Ahem. I mean... Given the tone of those words, it sounds almost like a letter of farewell...

Helena
 * You're right. The writing is lovely, but written in a shaky hand. Perhaps the writer...was infirm?

Helena
 * But it's too old for me to read easily. Oh! I know!

Helena
 * I remember reading samples of ancient writing that Montana deciphered in his book... I think it was in this chapter here...

The Destined Time
Bran
 * What are you doing? You should be resting.

Lunera
 * I grow weary of lying in bed. But I will rest again soon.

Lunera
 * First, though, I want to hear about Ruggles. Is he still taking care of that tree of his?

Bran
 * Yes. And recently he has begun digging around in the ground surrounding the castle.

Bran
 * He said something about making an underground road, which would be protected from the effects of the miasma.

Bran
 * The dwarves are indeed a cursed people...

Lunera
 * Their diligence and sincerity are their greatest virtues.

Lunera
 * And tell me, after watching him work so tirelessly, have you also begun to worry about him?

Bran
 * I am an elf. Why should I care...what a lowly dwarf does with his time?

Lunera
 * Heh...

Ruggles
 * No matter how far I go, there's no end to this miasma.

Ruggles
 * Isn't there any land on this continent where elves can live?

Ruggles
 * At this rate... Lunera...and Bran...

Ruggles
 * No! A dwarf cannot give up so easily!

Ruggles
 * If there is no way to pass over the land...then I will have to bet on the air being cleaner below the ground!

Ruggles
 * The plans were already put together for a tunnel. I'll measure the land from aboveground, then get to work digging!

Ruggles
 * How are you feeling, my lady?

Lunera
 * Not at all bad. Perhaps I have your tree to thank for that.

Ruggles
 * ...I have not yet managed to grow it large enough to produce the medicine you need, lady.

Ruggles
 * But if it blooms, and produces fruit...those fruits will be packed with the purifying elements you need. Until then, I'm afraid we will have to make do with clippings from its leaves.

Lunera
 * Heh... Yes, I see. Then I will look forward to that.

Bran
 * What did you do? I thought you'd gone aboveground, but then I seem to have heard a great sound.

Ruggles
 * There are still parts of the soil where the miasma hasn't quite soaked in yet.

Ruggles
 * I find those places, and that is where I make my tunnel.

Lunera
 * If you can tunnel all the way through, then it should become far easier to gather food and supplies, wouldn't you say?

Bran
 * It seems that you will not be satisfied no matter how far you go in your defiance of nature's ways.

Ruggles
 * We dwarves borrow nature's power to make our living, together. That is how we've survived this long.

Bran
 * Hmph...You have survived. But what have you accomplished in that time?

Lunera
 * I'm sorry about him. He always is so contrary.

Lunera
 * * koff* Ugnh...

Ruggles
 * Lunera! Steady yourself, my lady!

Bran
 * ...Do not disturb yourself. It is just nature reminding us that the time is coming.

Ruggles
 * It is too early to give up yet!

Lunera
 * ...You two. Please...will you listen to what I have to say?

Bran
 * ...Of course we will.

Lunera
 * We elves...have long avoided interacting with others.

Lunera
 * We believed...that was what the gods wanted of us.

Lunera
 * But...now I think...perhaps we were wrong.

Lunera
 * If we had the wisdom of our people in those dark days, to help humankind find the right path, perhaps things would not have ended up this way...

Bran
 * Lunera... You cannot feel responsible for that. It was not only you. And we...cannot change the past.

Lunera
 * Yes... And we only noticed far too late.

Lunera
 * But I only realized at all thanks to you, Ruggles.

Ruggles

Lunera
 * Living together with a friend who has such different values...has been a great joy.

Lunera
 * I wanted to be sure...that you knew that.

Ruggles
 * I know it, my lady. I understand. And a dwarf...never forgets.

Lunera
 * Thank you.

Lunera
 * Bran... I hope you will find some way to forgive me for leaving you behind like this.

Bran
 * There is no need for forgiveness. This is the way of nature. As an elf...I can do nothing but accept it.

Lunera
 * I always loved...that stubborn pride of yours...

Lunera
 * But please remember... You have a friend now... You are not alone.

Lunera
 * You two...will watch that tree grow in my...stead...

Where Memories Intertwine
Bran
 * You push yourself too hard. Is it the land which you plan to destroy...or yourself?

Ruggles
 * Dwarves are a hardy people. Perhaps this would be too much for you elves, but don't assume that I am so frail as you.

Bran
 * ...Has my wife's death driven you to such desperation?

Bran
 * You bear no responsibility for her passing. The one who must atone for that is...

Ruggles
 * ...It's no good dwelling on the past. Not good for your health.

Ruggles
 * We should do something to get our minds off the past. Like...how about that? Why don't you teach me some of those elvish songs of yours?

Bran
 * You, a dwarf, would try to learn the elvish language?

Bran
 * Hmph...You are indeed an odd creature.

Ruggles
 * Then I'm in good company.

Bran
 * Elvish songs are rather difficult to interpret. Though I suppose I could start by teaching you our writing. Though you would need to come to the castle for your lessons.

Ruggles
 * ...Heh. Seems you've outmaneuvered me then. Fine, I will come to the castle if you... Bran!?

Bran
 * * koff!* *koff!*

Ruggles
 * Steady on, Bran!

Bran
 * You have dug all this way...all on your own?

Bran
 * I suppose my wife did warn me. That diligence is one of the...virtues of dwarvenkind.

Ruggles
 * Was that supposed to be a compliment?

Bran
 * We elves are not fond of stating our feelings outright. If you wish to learn our language, consider that your first lesson.

Ruggles
 * ...Consider it learned then.

Bran
 * You...

Bran
 * You must have read in the castle's records that there are other continents in this world, where the air is still clean and pure.

Bran
 * You dwarves are a hardy race. Doubtless you could make your way off this continent. So why do you remain? Who do you feel so obliged to?

Ruggles
 * You still don't understand? I...

Ruggles
 * ...Ah. Silly me. I nearly went and talked about my feelings outright. But elves don't do that, now do they?

Bran
 * Hmph...

Bran
 * Lunera... Is this truly the kind of future that you envisioned for me?

Ruggles
 * I had collapsed here.

Ruggles
 * I had worn myself out looking for my people. I was lying there, thinking I would be alone forever...cursing the fortitude that kept me alive even when I wanted to die.

Ruggles
 * Until the moment when Lunera appeared and saved me...

Bran
 * It was a meeting that came too late.

Bran
 * If only you had met during the war... No, even before that...

Bran
 * If only there had been peace between the elves and the dwarves at least...

Ruggles
 * Tell me...does that elven language of yours only have a past tense?

Ruggles
 * I'd rather hear about the future myself.

Bran
 * Yes... Once the elves listened to the voice of the wind and spoke of the future.

Bran
 * But the wind's song...ungh!? *koff* *koff*

Ruggles
 * Be strong, man! The tree is blooming now. Just hold on!

Ruggles
 * Just a little longer... Just hold on a little longer, my friend...

A Promise Beyond Time
Helena
 * It's just like Montana said. There really were dwarves and elves living here together in peace. Perhaps the secret of their success lies in this land. Living in such a harsh environment, it might have been necessary for survival to understand one another.

Camille
 * Yeah, huh? Er. I mean...yes, I see. Your deductions are quite fascinating. Do you think that the knowledge they gained through coexistence can be of any help to modern man?

Helena
 * I wonder...but I'd say that their relationship seemed to be based on personal friendship more than anything else...

Helena
 * Oh! This wall... Could you lend me a hand here?

Helena
 * There is still more to check! Do you think I could ask you to continue on a bit longer as my guard?

Camille
 * I'd thought you might say that.

Helena
 * The excavation methods used here...are the same as in the underground tunnel.

Camille
 * So, what, you mean somebody made this place or something?

Helena
 * Hm? That sounded a bit...

Camille
 * Ohhh, uh, no. I-I only meant to say...that it would seem as though the tunnel was made by a dwarf living in the castle.

Helena
 * His name was Ruggles. According to Montana's writings.

Helena
 * If this was made by him... then up ahead might lie...

Helena
 * New proof! Proof that even Montana couldn't find!

Camille
 * Doesn't it seem...that the miasma is getting thinner here in this cave?

Helena
 * No way... We actually found it!

Camille
 * This tree... It's seriously sucking up the miasma, ain't it!?

Helena
 * Hm?

Camille
 * Er.

Helena
 * I knew it! You've been forcing yourself to try to talk like that, haven't you!? Why would you need to act in front of me?

Camille
 * I...I just... I didn't...!

Camille
 * (It's not like I can admit what I'm doing for Zoldaad...)

Camille
 * I'm sorry. I just thought nobody would trust me or wanna hire me if I seemed...uncouth.

Helena
 * What!? That's ridiculous! I wouldn't even be here if it weren't for you, Camille!

Helena
 * That's enough for my trust.

Camille
 * ...Thank you. So...should we have a look around, since we finally made a real discovery?

Helena
 * Oh... Yes. You're right. This is the "tree of purification." It can absorb miasma.

Helena
 * Hm? That writing there...

Camille
 * Is that elvish writing? I know I'm no expert, but it looks, um, really sloppy to me.

Helena
 * I'll try to read it. "To...my...dear...friend... From...Ruggles..."

Helena
 * It's a message from Ruggles! This is an amazing discovery!

Camille
 * Hurry up and read the rest!

Helena
 * Um...

A Friendly Oath
Bran
 * * koff* *koff* Ugh... Lunera...

Bran
 * I know I promised...we would watch over the tree together, but...

Bran
 * Ruggles is probably hard at work this very moment. I imagine he is working around the tree even now.

Bran
 * I suppose that is the dwarves' way. To struggle till the very end, rather than to merely stand by and watch over someone as they slip away.

Bran
 * Recently I've been feeling some evil presence from the underground cavern where Ruggles planted his tree.

Bran
 * If I weren't so sick...perhaps I could help keep Ruggles safe.

Ruggles
 * Almost...almost there! I just have to keep this bloom from withering!

Ruggles
 * But the ground has been rumbling a great deal lately. Perhaps some underground monster...

Ruggles
 * Some beast must have learned to burrow into the ground to avoid the miasma above ground.

Ruggles
 * And...human interlopers, as well...

Ruggles
 * They've come...to steal the precious treasures of the elves...

Ruggles
 * What!?

Monster
 * Grrr...

Ruggles
 * I won't let you near Bran... I will stop you here!

Bran
 * Did you call me?

Ruggles
 * You fool! Your body can't take the strain of battle anymore!

Bran
 * Hmph...We will see about that. We elves...have only once ever before befriended a creature not of our own kind.

Ruggles
 * That light... Is that an esper!?

Bran
 * Come, Lakshmi! Protect me...and my friend!

Bran
 * It seems...that I alone am not strong enough...for you to show your true power...Lakshmi...

Bran
 * ...I am sorry, Lakshmi. Please...do not cry.

Ruggles
 * You defeated the monster! We've got to get you back to the castle at once!

Ruggles
 * Am I...too late already...?

Bran
 * It seems I won't be able to keep my promise. So now...I leave it up to you...

Bran
 * ...The future.

Ruggles
 * I stillhaven't heard the songs of the elves.

Bran
 * The songs that whisper of the future... If you listen to the wind's voice, the songs will come to you without even trying.

Bran
 * "From war did we flee, into the arms of calamity. This was the elves' great tragedy." "Lives faltered and flickered out, extinguished by miasma foul, and sorrow's depths knew no bounds." "Despair not, good friend. Life may leave this breast of mine, but I live on in your heart as well." "Despair is not for you, my friend. I go without regret, and leave only a wish for your joy." "And when I go, I become the wind that blows at your back as you walk on."

Ruggles
 * ...That's lovely.

Bran
 * Perhaps you can write it down in that atrocious handwriting of yours... *koff!*

Bran
 * I...would be rather glad if you did.

Ruggles
 * ...Are you going now?

Bran
 * I am afraid so. I go to my wife now... No. I will join her in the wind, becoming a part of nature once more.

Bran
 * Ruggles. Thank you.

Ruggles
 * Bran...

Ruggles
 * Thank you. Sleep well...my friend...

Ruggles
 * This entire underground castle...shall be your monument.

Monument Stone
 * Bran shall love Lunera forever...

The Romance of Discovery
Helena
 * Ruggles reported his success to Bran. This tree finally bore fruit...and began absorbing the miasma...

Helena
 * And because of that people slowly came to live in the area... That's what is written here.

Camille
 * Because the elves become wind when they die? ...Did they come to read that wind?

Helena
 * I think they believed they could.

Camille
 * What!? No way! Could it be the same monster from back then!?

Helena
 * We can't back down now! We've got to bring this fruit back with us! We have to get out of here!

Camille
 * Was Ruggles able to neutralize the miasma and recover?

Camille
 * What happened after he carved that message?

Helena
 * He...left. He finished his tunnel, and left behind this path for the adventurers to come.

Helena
 * And I guess that's also why the treasures that Lunera collected have almost disappeared...

Helena
 * Oh. Well, there may be one left. But it's not one that I ever want to run into.

Camille
 * You don't mean...the esper from that story?

Helena
 * Lakshmi. That's a treasure beyond my grasp as one lowly adventurer.

Camille
 * But then what happened to Ruggles in the end?

Helena
 * They say that his people cut off all ties to him, since he had befriended the elves so hated by his kind...

Helena
 * It seems he dedicated the rest of his life to improving the environment and mining resources here in Gronoa.

Helena
 * Apparently he grew quite famous and even got invited to move to Dilmagia...

Helena
 * But he turned them down, claiming "I love the wind that blows here." He finally passed away of old age.

Camille
 * The wind that blows here... He must have meant the elven couple he befriended, huh?

Helena
 * I think so. He...couldn't ever forget them.

Camille
 * This isn't something...I can take back with me, though.

Camille
 * But you'll put it all down on paper. In your "The Helena Chronicles!"

Helena
 * Thank you, Camille. Because of you, I was able to have the adventure I've always wanted to.

Helena
 * Though it was funny how you talked at first.

Camille
 * Oh, leave me alone about that. Can we just put it behind us?

Helena
 * But it made me really happy. What you said before that battle.

Camille
 * About "The Helena Chronicles"?

Helena
 * Yeah. I spent so long looking up to Montana that I didn't even see the adventure happening around me.

Helena
 * I admire Montana a lot. But I can't keep my eyes always trained on the past. I need to look toward the future, too, don't I?

Camille
 * So where will you be off to next then?

Helena
 * Good question... I've pretty much gone everywhere that I could to follow in Montana's footsteps...

Helena
 * I think maybe...I'd like to learn about other races. I feel like there are adventures awaiting me if I do.

Camille
 * But don't forget. It might be dangerous on your own. You'll need to hire a bodyguard or something.

Helena
 * I will. Don't worry. And then I will publish my grand chronicles.

Camille
 * I look forward to reading them. ...Good luck.

Helena
 * Yeah...see you around. If you find a place that reeks of adventure, that's where I'll be.

Camille
 * Now then...I suppose I should also be moving on to my next mission. Where was it again...?