With nary a break, the El Search Party depart to track down the next Soul Fragment and come upon a sanctuary already occupied by the White-Ghost Army. After successfully capturing the soldier they returning to Aurora and learn they are being tracked. Now in a bind, they decide they have little choice but to take the fight straight to the capital, informed of an abandoned train by Baryon.
Nichel reports to Asella after retrieving the first soul fragment. Asella tells Nichel, who is burdened with responsibility, something unexcepted.
Quest Acceptance Dialogue
Nichel:Asella, we've safely retrieved the soul fragment.
Asella:Good work! It's good that we've managed to move faster than the White-Ghost Army. Did you encounter any problems while retrieving the soul fragment?
Nichel:Actually... We've got a glimpse of the past through the soul fragment... when the White-Ghost King first found the way to Elrios.
Asella:Memory of our lord...? Ah well, I suppose it's not too strange, considering her ability. So, what did you think?
Nichel:It was... awe inspiring. She didn't have much choice, but I don't think I could have made the same decison to go to another world if I were in her shoes.
Nichel:In the end, everything turned out fine, but... I thought it must have been difficult, and scary for her.
Asella:Nichel.
Nichel:Oh! Sorry... Uh... Don't worry about me. I'm determined to give my life to complete this mission.
Asella:I'm sorry I always put you on missions on ground, despite knowing your wish to remain in Rigomor.
Asella:But if you ever wish to go back out, Nichel, I won't stop you. The mission is not that important.
Nichel:Do you mean that? But...
Asella:Oh course, reviving the White-Ghost King will always be our main priority, but doing so with blind obsession will cost us our future.
Nichel:What do you mean...? What kind of future?
Asella:I believe the revival of our lord is the only way to resolve the current situation peacefully.
Asella:But, if we depend on it too much, we will never be able to stand on our own two feet if this plan fails.
Nichel:If reviving the White-Ghost King is not that important, why are we focusing all our efforts to do just that?
Asella:Hope.
Nichel:......
Asella:Hope that one day, the two races can come together in peace without conflict... a day when we embrace each other with mutual love and respect.
Asella:So if you get too scared, just run away. We may be short on numbers, but there's still enough of us to cover each other's back. Don't throw away your life on this mission.
Asella:We'll never reach our goal if we pave our road with sacrifice.
Nichel:... Alright. I think I understand. I'll contemplate more on what to do.
Asella:Ah, I didn't mean to burden you. I'm sure you'll be fine.
Nichel:... Oh! I almost forgot! The El Search Party is planning to head straight to the next location without stopping by Aurora.
Asella:Ah... Understood.
Asella:Be careful out there. The White-Ghost Army arrived while you were seeking out the soul fragment.
Asella:I will provide you with the details later. Stay safe.
Nichel:Mmhm, will do.
Quest Completion Dialogue
Elsword:Nichel, did you manage to contact Asella? Shall we head to the next soul fragment, now?
Nichel:Wait, I have a message from Asella.
Nichel:She said the White-Ghost Army is already patrolling the area we're headed towards. It seems they've arrived just as we were leaving Aurora.
Nichel:According to the one on watch, there's not that many of them. Plus, they haven't attempted to take the soul fragment yet.
Ciel:They may be guarding, until Berthe comes to retrieve it personally.
Rena:That's not good... We have no choice but to fight the soldiers if we want to retrieve the soul fragment. I mean, it shouldn't be difficult, but...
Raven:It will alert Berthe that we're back in the Demon Realm.
Elesis:Thankfully, we're still at an advantage. Berthe's soldiers won't expect an ambush right now.
Ciel:We'll just have to make sure to capture every last one of them. That way, they won't be able to report back to Berthe.
Ara:Shouldn't we consult Asella if we're planning on an ambush?
Nichel:It's fine. I'm sure she expected this when she gave us the information.
Ain:Then let us discuss the specifics. Where is the next soul fragment?
Nichel:The next soul fragment is not that far, in a village located in the highlands.
Nichel:It's no longer inhabited, because the villagers moved out when the grounds became too unstable, with high risk of collapse.
Add:Good. We' don't have to hold back, then.
Elesis:For now, let's make sure we approach carefully while remaining out of their sight. It'll be best if we manage to retrieve the soul fragment without being detected, but we'll be prepared even if we are discovered.
Elesis:Don't forget. If we are discovered, we have to capture every single one of them. Don't let them get away!
The White-Ghost Army is guarding near where the soul fragment lies dormant. As the El Search Party carefully approach them, they see another past of the White-Ghost King.
Quest Completion Dialogue
White-Ghost King's Soul:The abundant resources brought from trade with Northern Empire instigated many changes in our own land.
Aisha:Gah! Oh, it's the soul we saw earlier.
Lu:Huhu, it's nice to see it again.
Ara:Its form is more distinct than earlier. It looks more like... a person. Is she a Nous?
Ciel:It must be the spell that protects the soul fragment. It should guide us to where the soul fragment is located, just like before.
Elsword:Now that it's taken shape, do you think it can understand us?
Elsword:Will you take us to the soul fragment?
White-Ghost King's Soul:......
Raven:There's no way to tell if it does, but it's headed that way. Let's follow it.
White-Ghost King's Soul:With the resources from Northern Empire and the knowledge we've gained from the laboratory, we were able to build the central portal. It naturally became the hub for everything in our land.
White-Ghost King's Soul:The portal required a lot of manpower, which led to the two opposing races to cooperate. They shared technology and strength with each other in order to build their new homes.
White-Ghost King's Soul:It wasn't perfect. There were still conflicts, big and small. But I thought it was just a natural stage in progress, like how a newborn pup trips and stumbles before it learns how to run.
White-Ghost King's Soul:The two races began to learn how to get along and cooperate with each other.
Eve:I can relate. Once she had a glimpse of the two races coming together, she wouldn't have been able to let that dream go.
Elsword:Huh? What makes you say that?
Eve:Huhu, that's a secret.
White-Ghost King's Soul:This is what I wanted. The fear of the unknown, and hatred that stems from prejudice, all receding as we come to understand one another...
White-Ghost King's Soul:If we can ally ourselves with enemies from another world, there was no reason that the two races, different yet similar, cannot come together in complete harmony.
White-Ghost King's Soul:... Then the day might come, when I finally reveal that I am of mixed heritage.
Nichel:The White-Ghost King is mixed-blood?
Lu:Hm? You didn't know?
Laby:She's mixed-blood?! ... What is mixed-blood?
Add:If you don't know, why are you acting so surprised...?
Nichel:Mixed-blood refers to those who were born between two races.
Chung:From the White-Ghost King's memories, I assume they weren't treated well?
Nichel:It's not just that. Most mixed-bloods are often called something much worse, such as half-breeds, or mutts. They're basically taboo.
Rose:Taboo? That bad?
Nichel:The two races really hated each other back then. It's wrong, but I heard mixed-bloods were considered inferior, and were scorned by both races.
Nichel:Because of the perception, now, they're treated as if they don't even exist.
Lu:I had no idea those of mixed-blood were treated so poorly, even though I knew Aegirp for so long...
Ain:She must have presented herself as a Garen, hiding her true form.
Rena:... Though, I think her most trusted followers knew that she was mixed-blood.
Rena:I got the impression that Calonne knew why Berthe betrayed the White-Ghost King, though he didn't say anything to us.
Elesis:Didn't you say something along that vein, Nichel? That you think Winster knows why Berthe attacked the White-Ghost King?
Aisha:If that's true, that's really tragic. For her heritage to work against her like that... even though she was one of the four Demon Lords...
Ciel:Oh. Were we following the White-Ghost King all this time?
Lu:Of course! What did you think it was?
Laby:Ooh! Laby knows! A spell that protects the soul fragment!
Elsword:That's what I thought, too.
Lu:Sigh... I suppose it's understandable why you thought that way. Aegirp was always able to shift between two forms: a beast form, and a humanoid form.
Lu:I don't know why I thought it would be commonplace to have two forms. It should have been obvious, that if everyone could just shift forms like that, the two races wouldn't have been so antagonistic towards each other.
Nichel:...
Laby:Nichel? Why did you stop moving? Whatcha thinking?
Nichel:Huh? Oh, it's nothing. I was just... thinking about my old friend.
Raven:Stop, everyone hold your place.
Ain:I see that the soldiers of the White-Ghost Army are already settled in their positions. There are quite many of them.
Ain:And unlike the previous soul fragment... This one is out in the open.
Rose:Earlier, Nichel mentioned that the grounds here are unstable.
Rose:I suppose the soul fragment could have been revealed due to a change in geography.
Chung:That seems likely. It don't think the White-Ghost Army was led by the soul like we were.
Raven:The situation isn't that bad. The enemies seem to have their guards down, so we will start closing in on them from all sides.
Elesis:Agreed. Everyone! To your positons. On my mark, we will attack as one.
After defeating the White-Ghost Army soldiers and safely retrieving the soul fragment, the El Search Party receives an unexpected offer from their leader.
Quest Acceptance Dialogue
CLANG!
Elsword:Everything under control here. What's your status, everyone?
Rena:All good here!
Laby:Laby in Nisha are done too!
Ciel:5, 10, 15, 20... Yup, that's all of them. No runaways. Good work everyone.
Rena:Hm... Is it me, or was that too easy?
Eve:Is that so? I didn't think they were easy opponents...
Rena:Oh, I didn't mean they were weak or anything... They're individually strong, and they seem like seasoned fighters. It's just...
Rose:They didn't seem like they were trained in battle tactics as soldier despite being strong warriors.
Rena:Yes! That's what I was getting at!
Ring
Nichel:We've finished retrieving the soul fragment. Here, your highness.
Lu:Alright. I'm glad everything seems to be falling in place.
Elsword:We already have two soul fragments in our hands. Haha, I bet Berthe didn't expect that coming.
Aisha:Since this is the last location we got from Calonne, we'll need to find the rest relying on Aurora's intelligence.
Aisha:I hope we can find them before Berthe.
Baryon:......
Baryon:Hey, you.
Lu:... Are you referring to me?
Baryon:Yeah, I'm talking 'bout you, runt. You act all hoity toity, I bet you're the leader. Am I right?
Lu:R, runt...! How rude!
Baryon:Ack...! Whatcha screamin' for! I just wanted to know what you're gonna do with us now.
Chung:What we're going to do...? We're just making sure you don't contact Berthe.
Baryon:Is that it? No torture, no interrogation, no nothing?
Baryon:Well then... How 'bout a trade? We surrender, and you don't harm us, yeah?
Elsword:... What?
Quest Completion Dialogue
Baryon:You're looking for the soul fragment, right? We'll give you the information.
Baryon:We searched all over the place under Berthe's orders, but didn't manage to do squat.
Baryon:Not until a Nous brat told us there should be one around here.
Baryon:That brat went to the capital to fix... whatchamacallit... the thing that can move people to far places. Said they're gonna use it to invade Elrios.
Ciel:(He must be talking about Haivan. Looks like Haivan is actively getting involved.)
Aisha:(Assuming that he's speaking the truth, that is.)
Rena:(I'm not sure why they're so cooperative all of a sudden, but it should work in our favor. Maybe we can gain some inside information.)
Add:Hey, you're not just making stuff up to get out of this situation, are you?
Baryon:No way! If you want, you can ask anything until you believe me.
Raven:Hm... Alright.
Raven:.......
Raven:Berthe must have found many of the soul fragments. How many of the '8 pieces' did he find?
Elsword:Eh...?
Rena:(Aha, baiting with false information?)
Aisha:(Elsword! Laby! Watch your expression! They're going to catch onto us if you stare at Raven like that!)
Rose:(... You both have a terrible poker face. You don't have to frown.)
Baryon:Eh? Oh, oh yeah! I think he found six...? And he's still searching for the rest.
Laby:(He just hesitated!)
Zero:(Ah... The specific number just put him in a bind. Really? Six? We know there's only five in total!)
Add:You THINK he found six? Is that how you want to play this? Do you want this trade or not?
Add:You think we're going to spare your life with that scrap of information? If you want to live, you'll tell us exactly how many soul fragments Berthe found without holding back!
Elesis:(Whoa...! Add, calm down!)
Ain:(Just let him be. Mr. Ancient seems to be in his element for once.)
Baryon:Ack! I don't know... I DON'T KNOW!! When Berthe left, that brat said 'there's two remaining,' so he gotta have six, right?
Baryon:I'm just a grunt! Berthe's not going to sit me down and feed me information! I'm giving the best I can!
Add:Hmph, so you don't even know much. Just tell us what you know. If you don't know, don't take a wild guess. You understand?!
Add:Your life is in our hands. If you deceive us, you're a dead man!
Baryon:Alright! Alright...!
Add:(I don't think he's lying. He's telling us everything he knows.)
Elsword:(Oh... Um... Good job...?)
Eve:(Sometimes, it's hard to tell who the true villain is...)
Rena:... Tell us about the plan to invade Elrios.
Baryon:We haven't got specifics order yet, just that we're going to do it.
Baryon:Though, I think he's real serious about it this time 'round. Last time, there weren't enough Garen support, so he had to enlist the Glitter guards.
Chung:Does that mean there are more Garens that are taking a more active role this time?
Baryon:No, it's Berthe who's conscripting like crazy. He's scraping every able-bodied Garen in this land.
Baryon:There are some wackadoos who actually want to fight, but most of us would rather not. The elders said we used to get along pretty well with Elrios, so it doesn't even make sense why we should fight now, you know what I mean?
Baryon:Besides, we grew up on horror stories of demons who went to Elrios, never to come back. That's creepy man. And I'm not the only one who thinks that way.
Laby:(Oh! He's talking about Calonne and Furry!)
Raven:(It seems the stories of demons remaining in Northern Empire evolved into something of an urban legend.)
Baryon:But what can you do? We gotta follow orders. Whatever happens, once we find all the soul fragments, the White-Ghost Army is going to rally with the Glitter Alliance for an all-out-attack against Elrios.
Baryon reveals part of Berthe's plan while informing the El Search Party that he had no plans to participate in the war.
Quest Acceptance Dialogue
Raven:... And why are you telling us all of this?
Baryon:I told you! To save our behinds!
Baryon:Once Berthe finds out we failed our mission, we're all going to be goners anyway. So, might as well we bet our lives on you.
Add:Idiot. What bet? You've spilled everything you know already.
Baryon:What choice have we got? We lost, and got tied up. The least we can do is show that we're serious about this.
Baryon:We never wanted to be soldiers to begin with. We were all regular folks just a few months back.
Baryon:I just want to live a long life, peaceful life, somewhere safe with my family.
Nichel:Wait, I don't understand. I thought Berthe is your leader? He won't actually take your life, would he?
Baryon:What, I expected that question from them, but were you living under a rock as well? Don't you know what he's like?
Baryon:Who are you calling a leader? He's more of a tyrant, and even that is too much of a compliment.
Ain:You couldn't have said it any better. Not bad for a demon.
Elesis:I suppose Berthe doesn't treat his subordinates fairly...
Chung:What will you do if we let you go?
Baryon:Run away from Berthe, probably. They might track us down, but we might be able to slip away...
Baryon:what with his head being full of invading Elrios and the soul fragments at the moment. Who knows! If we're lucky, he might forget that there were some nameless deserters and head straight to Elrios!
Raven:... Hold on, we'll need to discuss amongst ourselves before we make a decision.
Quest Completion Dialogue
Elsword:So? Do you think he's telling the truth?
Raven:His answers were swift and consistent. There were no signs of deception, like fidgeting or avoiding eye contact.
Rena:Plus, the information he gave aligns pretty well with the events we know.
Elesis:If we assume he speaks the truth, the consequence of our failure would be an all-out demon invasion even bigger than the one before.
Eve:Elesis, didn't you already warn the Velder Kingdom of the possibility of an invasion? Elrios should be prepared this time.
Elesis:Yes, but Velder is still recovering from the last invasion. We can't really expect them to have enough troops to be prepared for a full-scale war in such short notice.
Aisha:I guess our silver lining is that the portal doesn't seem complete yet.
Add:So what do we do with those guys?
Add:I don't think we should just accept their surrender. They may be cooperating now, but they might turn on us the moment they spot an opportunity.
Raven:... I don't think we need to worry about that. I've been keeping an eye on the group. It's obvious that the one talking to us is the leader, and none of the others seem to object to his words.
Raven:In fact, some of them looked relieved when their leader said he wanted to surrender.
Ain:What did he say? 'All goners if we fail'?
Elesis:When discipline is too rigid with severe consequences, it weakens solidarity and morale. In other words, people are more likely to desert.
Elesis:If Berthe doesn't show mercy to those who fail like he says, it's understandable why they have little to no loyalty, and would rather surrender.
Rena:Is that why I got the impression they weren't well-trained?
Chung:What do you think, Nichel? I don't think this is something we should decide on our own.
Chung:If we accept their surrender, we'll need a place and those who would keep an eye on them. That's not something we can offer as outsiders.
Ara:Plus, it might put Aurora in danger. I also believe this should be up to your decision.
Nichel:This won't be the first time we had soldiers of the White-Ghost Army turn over and join Rigomor.
Nichel:I think it would be fine to accept their surrender, provided that they return with us to Aurora.
Elsword:If that's what you want, we'll follow your lead.
Nichel:We accept your surrender.
Baryon:You were discussing for a while there. You got conditions right?
Nichel:Yes. Please tell us everything you know about the White-Ghost Army.
Baryon:... Please? Why are you acting all polite? Just give us an order. It's you who have leverage over us.
Nichel:That's not necessary. If you don't want to talk, I won't force you.
Baryon:... Man, you're soft.
Nichel:...? Anyway... I'm sorry to inconvenience you, but you'll have to cover your eyes before we take you to our base.
Baryon:You actually have a bona fide base?
Baryon:... Come to think of it, there were several deserters while back. We were ordered to search for them.
Baryon:It was like they disappeared in thin air though... as if they already knew where to go to avoid detection.
Baryon:Was that also your doing?
Nichel:I can neither confirm, nor deny that question. What if it is?
Baryon:That it's good for us, since we need to get away from Berthe. Hey, I know we're in no position to make demands, but lemme just say one thing.
Baryon:As long as you guarantee our safety, we'll tell you everything we know.
Once the El Search Party arrives back in Aurora, they discuss a plan to stop Berthe's plan based on the information they gathered. However, their meeting is cut short.
Quest Completion Dialogue
Asella:Welcome, everyone. Good work.
Lu:The surrendered White-Ghost Army soldiers informed us about a plan to invade Elrios. We'll need to discuss on this matter promptly amongst ourselves.
Asella:Understood, your highness. I will deal with the soldiers and leave you alone.
Ara:The central portal in the capital is probably linked to Northern Empire, right? Since they traded with Northern Empire when the White-Ghost King was alive? Should we warn them?
Add:It's most likely, but who knows. Maybe they have another coordinate to Elrios.
Laby:Where to?
Add:That, we can't tell.
Ain:The pattern of the last demon invasion was simple, because the demons created a dimensional gate using El Shards.
Ain:Since the demons needed the El Shards, we were easily able to predict where they would attack.
Elesis:This time, it's different. We don't know when, where, or how they would attack us. If only that soldier, Baryon knew that information...
Chung:One thing for sure, if we fail to prevent Berthe, Elrios will face the biggest threat to this date...
Elsword:Do you think Ran using... what's his name, Nero? to collect the gems in Varnimyr is somehow related to this invasion?
Nichel:... Huh? Did you say Nero?
Asella:You! Where did you get that! You better speak the truth!
Rena:Yikes! What's going on?
Baryon:I didn't do anything, I swear! I just saw it drop, so I picked it up.
Asella:If you just picked it up, why is it broken? You knew this was our communication device, didn't you? You broke it on purpose!
Baryon:I didn't even know what it was until just now!
Asella:So you say, but it still stands that the device stopped working after you touched it!
Baryon:Grrr... Just fix it! Aren't you a Nous?
Asella:Not all Nous are adept at handling technology! You...
Eve:Asella, may I take a look?
Eve:Hm...
... CLICK!
Eve:The power was off. I believe it hit the switch as it fell on the ground. I should operate properly now.
Baryon:......
Asella:... Ha! Ha! Ha! Thank you for fixing the problem! Ha! Ha! Ha!
Chung:I've seen this device in the Deep-Sea tunnel. Did Winster send this?
Asella:Yes. He occasionally sends us inside information of the White-Ghost Army. Let's see now...
Communication Device:ZZT... ZZZZT...
Communication Device:I am unharmed. Berthe managed to acquire a third soul fragment. Also, the soldiers sensed movement of the other soul fragments. Did you managed to secure one?
Communication Device:Be careful. They are tracking the location of the soul fragments. Aurora may be exposed. Do not act rashly.
Nichel:Winster...
Ciel:The soul fragment is being tracked... Then Berthe may already be aware of our course.
Rena:If we don't leave, Berthe may learn the location of Aurora...
Baryon:... What?! I thought you said this place is safe!
Elesis:Ah... This is not good. We should leave as soon as possible.
Aisha:A third soul fragment... I thought it was weird he didn't personally show up. He must have been acquiring other soul fragments. I guess it's a good thing we didn't have to face him.
Elsword:We need to get the soul fragment that Berthe has in order to revive the White-Ghost King. We really have no choice but to face him now.
Lu:Let us hurry to the capital. Nichel, Asella, how long does it take to get to the capital?
Asella:It's quite far. We can send our fastest to aid you, but it will still take at least two days.
Nichel:Plus, the closer we get to the capital, the harder it would be to advance, due to the White-Ghost Army that's stationed everywhere.
Ara:Since we have the other soul fragments, maybe we can lure Berthe out instead?
Eve:In normal circumstances, that could work, but we shouldn't risk it since they have the portal. With the portal, they are essentially holding Elrios hostage, which is non-negotiable for us.
Raven:I agree. If Berthe realizes we're trying to lure him out, he could turn his focus to invading Elrios immediately.
Raven:Then it will be us that end up being lured in.
Rena:Yeah, we must do something about the portal. Let's figure out a way to quickly or covertly infiltrate the capital.
Baryon:... Hey, are you guys good with machines?
Add:Why do you ask?
Baryon:Cuz there IS a way to enter the capital wicked fast...
At the location of the other soul fragment, a secret conversation is had.
Quest Completion Dialogue
Haivan:.......
White-Ghost King's Soul:[... So I have divided my soul into multiple pieces. Hoping, that one day, the two races will truly come together.]
White-Ghost King's Soul:[Of course, I don't oppose to being awakened before that day. When my power is needed, I trust that those who are loyal to me, will come together to awaken me.]
Haivan:You should have picked better people to trust.
White-Ghost King's Soul:[I have but one concern. I worry that the portal I leave will be used as a way to instigate conflict and war.]
Haivan:What did you expect, leaving this kind of power?
White-Ghost King's Soul:[Technology that can connect different worlds must only be used for peace... so that we may extend our hand to someone different from us in another world.]
Haivan:You probably left your soul in case of your death, so you can ensure you stay in power.
Haivan:I get that you led your people to prosperity... But to be so assured of yourself that you become blind to the possibility of betrayal... How does it feel to be overthrown because of your own stupidity?
White-Ghost King's Soul:[I do not regret my decision to create the portal.]
White-Ghost King's Soul:[I know that the only escape from unfathomable despair is faith and kindness from others. Just like the Demon King showed me, and I, in turn, showed my people.]
Haivan:... I studied your soul for a very long time.
Haivan:I know you still have some conscience, even though you're just a fragment. I bet you even understand my words.
White-Ghost King's Soul:[Yes. That's the path I longed for.]
Haivan:Your biggest mistake is that your entire legacy only depended on you.
Haivan:That's why after your unexpected death, the entire structure fell apart. Technically, your people only lost their ruler, but it was like they lost their entire foundation.
Haivan:I'm not saying you should have had a successor. No. It was wrong from the start to have the entire land depending on just one ruler.
Haivan:If you want to stop Berthe from destroying your life long wish, you only get one chance.
White-Ghost King's Soul:[.......]
Haivan:When all the soul fragments merge, and you are finally whole...
Haivan:You just need to hold him back for a moment. Then...
White-Ghost King's Soul:[So I hope my concerns do not become a reality.]
Haivan:... That will stop anyone from invading Elrios.
White-Ghost King's Soul:[.......]
Berthe:What are you mumbling about?
Haivan:... Oh, I don't know- Maybe I was just having fun because my boss never showed up, even though I told him I found the soul fragment a loooong time ago.
Haivan:Wait, you didn't hear anyone else?
Berthe:There's no one else here. Stop fooling around.
Haivan:Hmm...?
Haivan:I see- Well, let's stop with the chitchat then. There's two soul fragments left.
Haivan:Are you excited? The day to invade Elrios is finally upon us, after all.
Berthe:As long as you take this seriously, everything will proceed as planned. How is the portal.
Haivan:Everything is coming along fine! I mean, it wasn't well-maintained, so I'll need to check it a couple of more times... but we're at the final stage.
Haivan:In any case, since we found the fragment, I can go, right?
Haivan:Oh yeah! I found the other two fragments too! It was somewhere interesting.
Haivan:I set the trap already to secure them. We just need to wait for them to fall right into it. I'll go retrieve it personally.
Now that the enemy knows their location, there's no time t lose. The El Search Party plans to head to the capital using the abandoned train that was used when trading with Northern Empire.
Quest Acceptance Dialogue
Zero:There's a train? Is that true, Asella?
Asella:Ah... Come to think of it... The White-Ghost King had a train made to transport the traded goods from Northern Empire around.
Baryon:I know because I'd pass by whenever I had business around there. It's a good place to chill. Also it's a nice hiding place.
Baryon:If you can activate it, it should be able to take you to the capital in a jiffy.
Raven:If it was used to transport goods, it should definitely be connected to the capital.
Rena:But wouldn't it be too... conspicuous? Having a train that was out of order for a while to barge into the capital like that...
Add:We'll stick out like a sore thumb. But who's going to be stupid enough to step in front of a train running in full-speed?
Elesis:I like that we can enter the capital without having to battle anyone, as long as we get the train to move. We can't avoid fighting after we enter the capital anyway. Best we make the most out of it.
Chung:Plus, by having their attention on us, we can help keep Aurora stay under wraps.
Baryon:Just one thing. You'll have to defeat the soldiers that are stationed around the train.
Nichel:Is there no way to avoid fighting completely? They were your allies... Could we persuade them? Or somehow use a diversion tactic...
Baryon:Allies? Me and them? Not even close. I don't even know the guys.
Chung:How many soldiers are stationed around the train?
Baryon:More than us earlier, that's for sure. It won't be easy.
Asella:We'll create a diversion. We can't hold them for long, since we can't be exposed, but it should be enough time to get you on the train.
Laby:Thanks! We'll make sure to get on quickly so they don't see us!
Baryon:If you're grateful, leave already. The soul is being tracked for crying out loud! This place is becoming less safe every second!
Asella:We'll take care of it, so shut your mouth!
Asella:Sigh... Well, I must say, El Search Party, thank you for protecting Aurora.
Asella:I apologize this is the only aid we can provide, despite you risking your lives to face the White-Ghost Army head on.
Elsword:No problem. We'll head to the train right away.
Asella:We'll head... here, a bit further up. We'll cause a commotion so they'll be distracted.
Asella:You can then repair the train and head to the capital immediately. Good luck.
Communication Device:... BEEP
Quest Completion Dialogue
Ain:Didn't he say the train is here...? I only see empty tracks.
Aisha:Did he trick us? Is there going to be an ambush?
Chung:No, look! I see the train over there! He must have gotten the tracks wrong.
Add:Why couldn't he tell us the right one in the first place...
Rena:How is it? Do you think you can fix it?
Add:I can't say for sure before checking the engine room... But it looks good considering how long it was abandoned.
Eve:It's strange. It's too well-kept despite being out of order for a long time.
Ara:Perhaps the soldier tidied up the place after their use? They did say the soldier sometimes rest here.
Ciel:That could be possible. Anyway, we should head to the cockpit. That should be up ahead.
Rena:Be careful. I sense monsters in other compartments.
Ain:It was abandoned for a long time. There could be wild animals that settled in.
Elsword:Is this the door to the next compartment? It's kind of stuck... Maybe it's rusted? Oof!
CRACK!
PSSHHHH
Lu:Hm? Did you hear something?
CLANK, CLANK
BEEEEEEEEP!!
Laby:Whoa! The train is moving! We're leaving already?
Eve:We didn't do anything yet. What did you do, Elsword?
Elsword:I uh, I tried to open the door...?
Raven:It's not us. Somebody is controlling the train.
???:ZZZT- ZZZZT-
???:Ahem, Mic check. Hello, passengers! Welcome to White-Ghost Express.
Laby:Gah! Laby hears a voice! But it's different from the voice that goes 'ring'!
Elesis:Where is her! Where's the voice coming from?
Ara:Over there! The voice is coming from the gap on the wall!
???:Unfortunately, there's been a sudden change in destination. We apologize for the inconvenience... But have a nice trip!
Zero:Huh? A change in destination? To where?
Raven:This voice... It sounds familiar...
Haivan:Oh! I almost forgot!
Haivan:I'll take the soul fragments as fee for your lovely train ride!
Elsword:Grr...! Haivan!
Rose:... It was a trap.
Add:Damn it! Everyone move forward! We need to catch him!
The El Search Party falls into a trap. Regardless of their unfortunate situation, the train continues to run the tracks.
Quest Acceptance Dialogue
Elsword:Ugh, the exploding plants we saw earlier are all over the train! It's getting in our way!
Ara:It's hard to fight because it's a confined space. At least it's spacious. Do you think it's to make it convenient for Garens who are larger?
Laby:Oooh! It's that why the windows are so big? Oh! Look outside!
Chung:So that's the capital! Wow, it's really big!
Laby:Laby didn't know there are huuuuuge villages like that in the Demon Realm too! So cool!
Nichel:It's the first time I've seen it as well. Amazing! The buildings are so big! It's really incredible! But...
Nichel:... Doesn't it seem like we're heading further away from the capital?
Elesis:Wait, why do we see the capital through the window on the side? Where are we headed to?
Eve:According to the map... We're headed to the outskirts. Do you think Baryon tricked us?
Zero:I don't think so. The train wasn't on the track he told us in the first place. It's probably all Haivan's doing.
Add:This is not the time to discuss the details. If we arrive somewhere else, we'll have to do this all over again. Damn it! Why isn't it possible to skip compartments? We're never going to reach the first compartment at this rate!
Elesis:Let's get on the roof! Someone lift me, so I can open the door on the ceiling!
Haivan:Hey! You shouldn't create a ruckus inside a train!
Haivan:You're passengers! You should sit down and relax.
Elesis:Oof, alright! I got it! Now, let's head... Huh?
Ciel:Well? Should we head up?
Elesis:WHAA!! Get me down right now! We're about to enter a tunnel!
CLACK, CLANK
Ara:Everything's shaking! Everyone be careful!
Quest Completion Dialogue
Haivan:Long time no see, everyone! But you really should have stayed in Elrios. Since, you know, you only managed to escape by a thread last time.
Haivan:Well, I guess you made my job much easier! I'm flattered! To think you'll collect the rest of the soul fragments for me!
Elsword:We didn't do it for you!
Lu:He's right! We will never hand you Aegirp's soul!
Haivan:Ha! I should remind you, conflict of interest IS a thing. Did you ask for her opinion? You know, the actual opinion of the soul?
Lu:What are you talking about? There's no way Aeigrp will wish to be in Berthe's hand!
White-Ghost King's Soul:Ring
Ara:Oh...! Lu! The soul fragments are slipping away!
Lu:What...? It's not me! They're moving by themselves...!
Lu:You! What did you do to Aegirp's soul!
Haivan:Aww... It's really not my fault! What can I say? This is the White-Ghost King's decision.
Raven:The White-Ghost King's decision...?
Haivan:Yup! I found out due to all the alone time we had together, thanks to the secret laboratory being restricted 'to pay proper respect to the mighty soul of the White-Ghost King' and all.
Ain:You must have been preparing this for a very long time. Are you frustrated that we keep getting in your way?
Haivan:Not at all! How could I be, when you got me two soul fragments as a gift! I'm so grateful that I could give you a hug!
Haivan:How about it? Hm?
Elsword:We're not here to fool around! Hand us the soul fragments!
Nichel:Haivan, stop! I don't believe you actually mean that. You're planning something, aren't you?
Nichel:You're acting like you betrayed us, but I know you didn't! That's why you didn't tell Berthe, Aurora's location!
Haivan:......
Nichel:I know you always disapproved of reviving the White-Ghost King. I'm not sure why that leads to talking Berthe's side...
Nichel:But I'll help you. If you just tell me why you are doing this...
Haivan:... I don't need your help.
Nichel:What?
Haivan:I just wanted to escape that wretched sea instead of waiting aimlessly for someone to come and save us.
Haivan:The reason why I didn't tell anyone about Aurora was because I didn't need to. It's not like a group of cowards would ever pose a threat.
Haivan:I didn't care as long as I could get out of that place. Siding with Berthe is not ideal, but you learn to compromise.
Nichel:You...!
Elsword:What do you want? Whatever it is, do you really think Berthe is going to uphold his end of the deal?
Haivan:You won't understand even if I tell you... Bethe has no choice but to give me what I want.
CLICK
Haivan:In any case... I'm glad you're the ones that made it all the way here.
Add:Damn it, where are you running off to?
Haivan:So long! Oh, I almost forgot! There should be someone waiting for you at the destination.
After Haivan leaves, silence befalls the dark tunnel. El Search Party encounters Winster, who they thought was still held captive by Berthe.
Quest Acceptance Dialogue
Elesis:Again, with the annoying machines... Anyway, everything is taken care of. Add! When is the train going to stop?
Add:The train is programmed to decelerate when it reaches its destination. It should come to full stop soon even without my input.
SCRREEEEEEE------
Aisha:Ugh... It's really dark here! We must be deep inside the tunnel. Everyone watch your step.
Elsword:You know you're stepping on my foot, right?
Aisha:It's to keep you still, since you always run into trouble. Hold on, I'll use an illuminating spell.
Lu:We're very deep inside this tunnel. The train was running for a long time... Do you think it would take long for us to get our of here?
Eve:Most certainly. Since this looks like a terminal, it might be better for us to find another path that leads outside.
Rose:Hm? I think there's someone around that corner. I saw a shift in the shadow.
Aisha:Yikes! There's someone else in the tunnel other than us...?
Zero:... Is it Haivan? He could have pretended that he was leaving, only to hide himself so he could watch what we're doing?
Rena:I don't think it's Haivan. He did say, there should be someone waiting for us at the destination.
Winster:... It's you.
Ain:Oh, so Mr. Kid's surprise was Mr. Dog!
Chung:Winster! You're safe!
Raven:How did you get here? We heard you were held hostage by Berthe.
Winster:I managed to find an opening and took my chance... How did you... Did you arrive here by train?
Lu:Yes. We hurried because you seemed to be in a dire situation from the communication you sent.
Laby:We heard we can come real quick if we get on a train, so we did!
Winster:Communication...?
Aisha:Errr... You know... The octopus shaped machine that you sent to Aurora...?
Winster:I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about. I was under heavy scrutiny. It wouldn't have been possible to send anything.
Rose:In that case, who sent the communication device?
Ain:Ah... I suspect it was Mr. Kid's doing. That's probably why he knew we were going to take the train.
Ciel:The communication device was likely bugged. We essentially fed him our plan.
Nichel:That's why the message kept telling us to lie low... He didn't want us to leave Aurora so he could easily track us.
Winster:... Did you meet Haivan?
Zero:Haivan was the one who lured us here. He's probably headed to the capital to Berthe and the portal as we speak.
Ciel:He lured us here, took the soul fragments and fled. From the looks of it, he probably knew of your escape as well.
Winster:Then... he must have been the reason why there were less guards on that day. And the reason why the door hinges came loose.
Ain:We should still be able to catch up to him. Do you know the way out?
Winster:Follow me. There's a path that leads straight to the capital.
Lu:Are you alright? There's no need to overexert yourself by coming with us. You were held in captivity for a very long time.
Winster:I overheard that the central portal repairs are at its final stage while I was imprisoned. The only thing they are waiting on, is probably the soul fragments.
Winster:This is the last chance we have to stop him. If we can manage to neutralize the portal... Then we can at least prevent Berthe from invading Elrios.
Rose:... We understand.
Quest Completion Dialogue
Winster:... I can't even begin to tell you how remorseful I am.
Lu:What do you mean?
Winster:All this time, I never even suspected that Haivan was planning something like this. Even now... I just don't understand what he's thinking.
Nichel:Winster...
Chung:I understand your guilt, but this really isn't your fault at all.
Winster:... I'm not sure if I can escape the blame. It is clear that the path he has chosen will be laden with many sacrifices.
Winster:And in part, it started with my own judgment that we need some kind of force to combat the Garen on land.
Winster:The sense of betrayal, rage, and hatred that I felt... I see it reflected in Haivan's own actions.
Winster:And I cannot just standby and watch him walk down that path. If it's too late to stop him, then I...
Rena:Winster...
Nichel:But we still don't know why he's doing all this. Not even you, Winster.
Nichel:When we see him... We should listen to what he's got to say. That has to come first.
Winster:......
Nichel:And... If he truly betrayed us, you will have to wait for your turn. Because I will tell him where to shove it.
Lu:Well said, Nichel. That brat needs to good bang on the head to see some sense!
Ciel:Lu...
Lu:So don't give up. You've survived all these years after being chased to the ocean. It will be a shame if you give up now.
Lu:Let's go. The soul fragments are moving further away as we speak. We should hurry if we want to catch up.
The Most Important Thing
Varnimyr
Pruinaum
Tirnog
Serpentium
