Sacred Stone Memories Chapter 8/Quest 1 - Storyline

Separate Departures

Northern Pride - Inside the main hall of the Holy Guard's headquarters
Monzein	In other words...you're saying that it's not just Envylia and Lustburg... You believe that Greed Dike's power now spans to other countries as well?
Kanon	Yes. Most likely, this invasion is only the beginning. I believe that eventually, all of Babel will be thrust into an unprecedented state, the likes of which we've never seen before.
Kagura	That being said, we still haven't received a formal rescue request from either Envylia or Lustburg, have we? Isn't there a chance that it could all be a hoax? It's hard to imagine even Greed Dike making such drastic moves.
Othima	No...I think there's plenty of chance it's true. Lion Monarch Orion is a pretty messed up guy. I doubt he thinks much of turning the entire world against him.
Yauras	I agree. When Kudan was alive, there was something he told me. Orion's actions stem from the number one priority of obtaining the Alchemy Source. I don't think he pays much attention to how the other countries take action.
Seida	If we continue to wait for a messenger from Envylia or Lustburg to arrive, we'll lose the upper hand. It'll be more efficient to take action now.
Kanon	Yes. Once things are set into action, it'll be difficult for us to meet like this. It's important that we gather together and make sure that we are all on the same page.
Monzein	Hmph...I think you're overthinking this. We the 2nd Regiment will go and see what is happening in Envylia. No matter what ambitions Greed Dike may be harboring, we'll scatter them before they have a chance to fester.
Kanon	Huh? You're planning on going with just the 2nd Regiment?!
Monzein	Yes.
Kanon	Please, wait! We still haven't determined the extent of their power! Besides...I've heard rumors that Greed Dike has succeeded in the development of immortal soldiers.
Monzein	I've heard this as well. However...if rumors of Greed Dike's invasion are in fact true, then even now Envylia is in danger. The thought of Dilga and our other allies engaged in a desperate struggle at this very moment makes me uneasy.
Kanon	But...
Yauras	It'll be all right. Once the formal rescue request arrives, we the 1st Regiment will immediately deploy as well. Will that be all right?
Kanon	...Yes. As I was thinking of fortifying the protection of Northern Pride with myself and Seida while you, Captain Yauras, would command the mobile troops... Very well. Captain Monzein, please lead an expedition to Envylia.
Monzein	Understood. Greed Dike...we'll show you what happens when you underestimate the Holy Guard!
Othima	Um... Can I have a word with you?
Monzein	What is it?
Othima	I'm assuming we'll get pretty busy, so I thought I'd ask you now. Last time we went drinking together, I won, didn't I? About that meal you owe me...when are you gonna pay up?
Monzein	Huh? What're you talking about?
Yauras	A bet...?! Seriously, you two!
Othima	N-no! It's not a big deal! It was just a cute little wager about guessing the gender of the next customer to walk in...
Monzein	What are you talking about? Why would you make up something like that?
Othima	Huh?! Hey, hold on a second! Are you gonna talk your way out of it?!
Monzein	Stop speaking nonsense! Why would I bet on something as silly as that?! Gambling goes against the code of chivalry! I would never do anything like that!
Othima	Ah, there you go again! You were drunk out of your mind, so I had a bad feeling about it... Don't you think not fessing up to it and admitting defeat goes more against the code of chivalry?!
Monzein	What did you say?!
Kagura	What's this...? Stop arguing about such petty things.
Seida	...It's highly inefficient.
Othima	H-hey, wait! What's with all the condescending looks? For starters, I'm not the one who...
Yauras	Enough! Do you understand what our current situation is?!
Othima	Agh...sorry...
Yauras	Seriously... Monzein...be careful not to let your code of chivalry sweep you off your own feet.
Monzein	Huh?! Yauras...are you gonna ridicule my way of thinking too?
Yauras	No, that's not it. What I'm saying is that Greed Dike is the kind of country that will use every dirty trick in the book in order to obtain their ends. Your straightforward honesty is sometimes easy to read... I'm telling you to make sure your code of chivalry doesn't work against you.
Monzein	So are you telling me to be deviant instead?! You gotta be kidding me! Using dirty means would be the same thing as abandoning my knight's honor!
Yauras	Honestly! You really should try to listen to advice sometimes! If you end up messing up your priorities in order to fulfill your personal agenda...
Monzein	That's nonsense! I've always put the Holy Guard...and the future of this world first and above everything else. Your useless worrying is unnecessary!
Seida	It's pointless now. Once he gets started, he won't listen to reason.
Yauras	Sigh... I understand why you're tempted to use the term "inefficient."
Kanon	In any case, once an official request for support has been made, we'll send back up immediately. Please don't take too many risks.
Monzein	Don't make me say it again. Your worrying is unnecessary.
Kanon	But...
Monzein	We're racing against the clock now. There's no time to lose. Don't worry about it, Kanon. Who do you think I am? Trust the Great Thunder Axe.
Kanon	...I do.
Monzein	Othima.
Othima	What is it?
Monzein	Once we get back, I'm gonna need some of your time. I've got to properly teach you about the code of chivalry.
Othima	Agh... You always have to be on the winning side, don't you?
Holy Guard Knight A	Excuse me! I've received word that a messenger from Envylia has arrived!
Kanon	Welcome them and bring them here immediately!

Holy Guard Knight B	What about the food supplies for the Lustburg expedition troops?!
Holy Guard Knight C	It's been taken care of! Commander Kanon wants a word with us! Hurry to the square!
Holy Guard Knight D	I know, I know! Curse you, Greed Dike... Are you gonna turn the whole world against you?!

Northern Pride - Main room of the Holy Guard headquarters
Kanon	We've received an official request for support from Lustburg. Kagura...I'll leave them to you and Captain Othima.
Kagura	Unfortunately, it looks like it wasn't just a hoax. But...considering how you look at it, this might be a good opportunity.
Kanon	A good opportunity...?
Kagura	If they hadn't instigated all of this, Kudan wouldn't have died. It's a good chance to get our revenge.
Kanon	No. I understand how you feel, but if we retaliate in bitterness, it will only serve to fuel the cycle of hatred.
Kagura	... ... ... ...
Kanon	This invasion will inevitably spread through the world. If we don't stop it, there will be no future for any of us. Also, in order to prevent creating another Captain Kudan, we must stem those feelings now, all right?
Kagura	Hehe...
Kanon	Huh...? What's so funny?
Kagura	Seriously...somewhere along the way you really did turn into the Lord Commander.
Kanon	What are you talking about? Look at yourself, Kagura. You're the Captain of the 5th Regiment that can make any army turn tail.
Kagura	Who would've thought a day would come when we would lead the Holy Guard...I mean, you're still the same airhead that I first met at school.
Kanon	...Likewise.

Yauras	Kanon...other than those from the 2nd Regiment, all of the members have been gathered.
Seida Othima	...
Kanon	Yes. I'm sure all of you have heard already, but Greed Dike led by the Lion Monarch Orion have made their way to Envylia and the neighboring country of Lustburg. There they have begun a large-scale assault. Until now, there has never been a large conflict between Greed Dike and those two countries...this is a one-sided invasion. Those from Greed Dike have yet to issue any formal statement. However... As the suzerain country, Northern Pride has proclaimed this an act of aggression. The act has been officially named the Lion Monarch's Charge and a formal state of emergency has been declared. Following these orders...we of the Holy Guard have been ordained to quell this Lion Monarch's Charge. Most likely, this invasion is only just the beginning. I believe that Greed Dike's invasion will expand to include Slothstein, Wratharis... And ultimately Northern Pride as well. We must do everything we can to stop it before it reaches that point! As we still suffer damage from the previous Wadatsumi expedition, we are still not at our full strength yet. However, we have survived and overcome such severe situations before. We find strength in the justice that we believe in. I believe that we can shatter the baseless ambitions of Greed Dike! True justice is with us! We hold the light that leads to the future! We, the Holy Guard, must shatter the biggest plot in all of history to rob us of our freedom...we must lead the people to a peaceful future! Lion Monarch Orion...I refuse to let you do as you please!

Meanwhile...in the Greed Dike royal castle Dynam Dionysus.
Waginau	We've received a report from our scouts. Having received a declaration of a state of emergency, the Holy Guard are finally on the move.
Orion	Oh dear...the "absolute justice" really does seem to be taking its time.
Waginau	Honestly, it's quite deplorable. Please leave it to me regarding their movements. I've already arranged to receive reports regarding each individual captain's movements.
Orion	There's no need to pay attention to all of the Holy Guard. What we need to focus on is Captain Kagura of the 5th Regiment...and, more than anything...
Waginau	Captain Seida from the 3rd Regiment, correct? Very well.
Orion	Hmph... Did you receive word from the Templars?
Waginau	No, I haven't yet. Honestly...what are they doing...?
Orion	Never mind. They'll show up eventually. More importantly, Waginau...I would like a little of your wisdom. I just can't seem to suppress this blood that rages on the verge of madness.
Waginau	Please don't worry about that either. The moment we have long awaited will soon be upon us.
Orion	Heheh! The time has come! Now is the time that we obtain the power to shake the laws of this world!!!

Somewhere in this world - Hideout of the Veda Templars
Templar A	We've received word that Vier has arrived in Envylia. Acht will also soon arrive in Lustburg.
Templar B	Tsk. Hey, when are we gonna get to move? At this rate, my body is gonna grow lax. Hurry up and let us be deployed!
Templar A	Our leader bases decisions on various factors. It would be wise not to make careless remarks.
Templar B	Huh? Füry...are you gonna talk back to me?
???	...Stop it, Neun.
Templar B	Shut up! Are you making fun of me, eh? I'll give you a good wallop!
???	I said stop it. Or...do you want me to blow your head off?
Templar B	I-idiot...it was just a joke! Don't get all worked up...
???	A joke? I see...my apologies then. More importantly, Neun. "The goddess frowns on those who cannot eat the scraps that a dog will not." Do you understand the meaning of that?
Templar B	Huh...? That we should value food?
???	No, idiot. It means that sometimes we need to do the dirty work in order to reach our goals. It may be annoying to do what Orion demands, but... Endure it for now. If we overcome this mountain, it'll be advantageous for us. After we handle this situation, we'll be one large step closer to fulfilling our long-cherished wish.
Templar A	You don't have to say anymore. As our leader, none of us question your wisdom. We just do what you tell us to do.
???	Heh. All right then, let's go. It's time we found our own "sky" in this Lost Blue.
The Emperor Orion of Greed Dike commences a simultaneous attack on both Envylia and Lustburg. Regarding this as an act of aggression on a scale not seen since the devastation of Wadatsumi, Northern Pride announces a state of emergency. Upon receiving this declaration, Kanon and the other Paladins advance to engage in battle on the very same day. However, little do they know... Behind this catalytic incidence lurks the strong will of one man. Even this assault that will cause the entire world to quiver... It is nothing more than a small glimpse of the earnest plan this man has spun throughout an eternity. This will later be told down through the ages as the largest threat ever to have arisen in the continent of Babel... This is the memory of the mad monarch bearing the name Lion. And of the great war he begun that would overturn the laws of this world.


Kagura	The Lustburg expedition has completed its preparations. We will head out soon.
Othima	Hm? Oh, right. All right then, let's go.
Kagura	...? You don't seem to be in good spirits.
Othima	No, it's nothing. I'm just a little upset about how unreasonably Greed Dike is behaving.
Yauras	It's all right. This is an emergency situation. I'm sure they'll accept it without any problems.
Othima	Huh...?
Yauras	You're worried about being captured again, aren't you? Don't worry. Lustburg is in no position right now to behave like they did then.
Kagura	Captured...?
Othima	Hey...! Hey wait, Captain Yauras! Don't...
Yauras	It's an old story. This guy was once mistaken for an intruder. He was restrained and stripped naked.
Kagura	Naked...?!
Othima	Agh...seriously...why do women always say everything...
Yauras	Did you say something?
Othima	N-no! I mean, who would've thought they'd restrain a captain of the Holy Guard?! On top of that, I was actually born in Lustburg, you know? Although I was abandoned at a pretty young age...
Yauras	Since Lustburg suffers from the Asmodeus Curse... It's quite normal for them to discard newly born boys, right?
Othima	Yeah. It's a hard country to live in as a man.
Kanon	In any case...Captain Othima, I think that you're most qualified to lead the rescue mission to Lustburg. Kagura will go along with you so you've nothing to worry about. If something happens, please handle it, Kagura.
Kagura	Yes, leave it to me.
Othima	No way! So I'm pretty much just dead weight?! That's a little harsh...
Yauras	Stop nitpicking. Seriously...why don't you at least try to be a little more responsible? Your little act of declaring war on Greed Dike might be what spurred them into action, you know?
Othima	...Umm...
Kagura	Declared war...?
Othima	N-no...! There's no way something I said would've caused...um...sorry...
Kanon	I'm not sure of all the facts...but the Lion Monarch Orion engaged in dialogue with Captain Kudan. It's believed that his talk regarding the "balance of world power" is what brought about all of this.
Seida	So you think he is after the Sacred Stones within each country?
Kanon	Yes. As well as what many refer to as the eighth Sacred Stone, Mikaboshi.
Kagura	I'm not really sure of that.
Kanon	What do you mean?
Kagura	During our previous Wadatsumi expedition... I used my Kagutsuchi to seal the Mikaboshi to the point that it was on the verge of losing its power. In its current state, the Mikaboshi is pretty much nothing more than a rock. We'd be well aware of its existence long before Greed Dike finds it.
Kanon	Right...you have a point.
Seida	Have we received any word from the Saga Region...or Gluttony Foss?
Kanon	Huh? Right now, we haven't heard anything that amounts to an invasion by Greed Dike, but...
Yauras	Is there something that worries you?
Seida	If the purpose of Greed Dike's invasion is to destroy the balance of power in the world... There's a chance they would head to the Saga Region...that's if they've picked up on information on a certain matter.
Kanon	Of course. With that possibility in mind, I've already dispatched troops to the area. But, Seida, you have Gluttony Foss' Sacred Stone stored within the Holy Guard, right?
Seida	I'm sorry, Kanon. After that fact was revealed... When we returned from the Wind Temple, I immediately changed the hiding place of the Sacred Stone Beelzebub.
Kanon	Huh...?! Then you don't have it with you right now?!
Seida	Don't think badly of me. It wasn't that I didn't trust you or Captain Monzein. I just thought it best to be cautious.
Kanon	No...of course. That was a wise decision. In other words...there's a chance that Greed Dike may target its location then?!
Seida	No...that's not possible. I haven't told the location of Beelzebub to anyone. Greed Dike is one thing, but not even the people of Gluttony Foss know its location.
Othima	Hmm. I don't seem to understand what the problem is then if Beelzebub is stored somewhere no one knows about. In other words...even if Greed Dike were to attack the Saga Region, there's zero chance they'd obtain the Sacred Stone there, right?
Kanon	Do you mean you're worried about Saga's safety? But...if that's the case, it's not just Saga. All countries are...
Seida	No, that's not it. If Greed Dike were to uncover information regarding Matter, it'll be very problematic. If they believe that the key to destroying the balance of power in the world is to seize something that harbors a vast amount of Alchemy energy, then... I'm certain that they'll head to the Saga Region.
Kagura	Matter...? What's that?
Seida	It's a type of Philosopher's Stone that the local Saga tribes refer to as the Crystal Quartet. These are four holy crystals that harbor the natural elemental spirits of fire, water, wind, and earth. Currently, they are being preserved by the shamans of each tribe.
Kanon	Do you mean it's a subspecies of the Philosopher's Stones? Do you think that Greed Dike will go after them?
Seida	Individually, they lack the immense power contained in a Sacred Stone. However...if you bring these four crystals together and their elements are combined... It will invoke a large amount of Alchemy energy that will be enough to control Beelzebub.
List	What...?!
Yauras	If it's that important...why didn't you say something about it earlier?!
Seida	I'm sorry. As long as Lord Waginau, who has connections with Greed Dike, is present in the council... I don't know who or where someone might be eavesdropping. I couldn't confide in you.
Yauras	Well, that makes sense, but...
Othima	How publically is the existence of this Matter known?
Seida	I believe that most of the general public are unaware of its existence. But the people of the tribes...most would be aware of it as a piece of lore. With each of the tribes feuding against each other and its high potential for warfare...I doubt it will be even possible to get them all in the same place.
Kagura	But if Greed Dike were to hear about this information...perhaps it would best for Seida to head to the Saga Region.
Yauras	No. If we did that, it would thin out our defenses in Northern Pride. Right now, we can't afford to be without your vast capabilities of detection, Seida.
Seida	Right...I'm sorry. It'll be okay. Even the likes of Greed Dike shouldn't be able to easily seize the four Matters. We should still be able to make it on time if we detect movement in the Saga Region.
Kagura	But...
Seida	Besides...when I confided in everyone that the Sacred Stone Beelzebub was with the Holy Guard... Waginau and Orion were in the Wind Temple. If they had heard our discussion...I'm sure Greed Dike will come after me. If that's the case, then it would be most efficient if we strengthen our army in Northern Pride and intercept there.
Kanon	Yes...understood. We'll consider dispatching new reinforcements to the Saga Region as well. I'm sorry, Seida. You go protect Northern Pride as planned.
Seida	Understood. Sorry for confusing matters at the last minute.
Kanon	No. I'm glad I was able to hear about the existence of Matter. Well then, Captain Othima...head with Kagura to Lustburg and, if anything occurs there, we'll send reinforcements immediately.
Othima	No...more than us, shouldn't you be worrying about Envylia?
Yauras	Are you worried about Monzein? Don't be. I'm going to be heading there myself.
Kanon	Please don't worry. For now, I've had Basheeny accompany Monzein to report on matters, just in case.
Othima	Yeah, about that...you know...he used to be a spy for Greed Dike, right?
Kanon	Seriously? Are you still gonna suspect him? Can't you see that he's had a complete change of heart?!
Yauras	Don't worry. In his current state, it doesn't seem likely that he's being dishonest. Besides...as an ex-spy, he should know Greed Dike's behavior better. I recommended him as the perfect resource for this matter.
Othima	No, that's not what I mean. I'm talking about old man Monzein, who hates things that aren't straightforward. I was just wondering if him and Basheeny might have a falling out or something...
Seida	You don't need to worry about that. I've told him that the reason why Basheeny went off about being an assassin for Lord Waginau was due to the effect of the volcanic gas coming from Ramproad Mountain.
Yauras	Huh? Are you serious?
Kagura	What do you mean...of course I'm serious. If I hadn't done that...there's no way I'd let the two of them travel together.
Yauras	W-wait, hold on a second... Are you telling me that Monzein, a full-grown adult, can't actually accept the truth?
Seida	It's because he can't accept it that all of us have been going out of our way to trick him.
Yauras	B-but...no, that can't be...
Othima	What's the matter? You look pale...
Yauras	Well, I...when he was leaving...I reminded Monzein that... He should forget about his past as a spy and learn to get along with him.
List	What...?!