Aisha and Chung meet the Denif in the compass, but the Denif they meet is really different, and they deduces it's the past version. Aisha tries to reaffirm her resolve, but she is shocked to learn that there was a traitor in the Landar family. Chung learns that his guardian stone, and his never-wavering resolve, is what allowed him to proceed farther, despite the Demon Realm's influence.
Inside the compass, Aisha and Chung meets the seal, in the form of Denif. The seal to test their resolve.
Quest Acceptance Dialogue
Chung:So this is the inside of the compass...!
Aisha:Amazing... It's like another dimension! Everything is so realistic! Is this the power of the Sage?
Chung:I've never been here before, but everything feels strangely familiar... I wonder why?
Aisha:Maybe it reminds you of Hamel, because there's so much water.
Denif:Who's there.
Aisha:Master Denif?
Chung:Master Denif, are you coming with us?
Denif:Identify yourself. Who are you, and what purpose do you have coming here?
Chung:... I don't think this is the Master Denif we know. He's acting like this is the first time he's seen us.
Aisha:This could be the 'thing inside' Master Denif was talking about... It's probably a seal of some type.
Chung:That's unexpected... I thought there would be something much more terrifying.
Aisha:Me too... Maybe it will be easier than we thought. Let's talk to him to learn more about the seal.
Aisha:Hello, Master Denif! My name is Aisha Landar. I'm here to ask for your assistance.
Denif:... A Landar?
Aisha:Yes! I'm...
Denif:What is a Landar doing here without proper procedure? Go back. I have no time for your schemes.
Aisha:I, uh, what? Schemes?
Chung:As expected. He's not going to let us in easily.
Aisha:Yeah...
Aisha:(How strange... Master Denif definitely reacted positively to the Landar name before... What does he mean by 'scheme'?)
Chung:Hello, Master Denif. I am Chung, from Senace.
Denif:Senace... You still haven't given up to borrow the power of El?
Chung:What? What do you...?
Denif:There has been many before you who wished to use the power of El. I cannot help but suspect your true intentions.
Denif:As an El Master who sworn to protect the El, I cannot condone anyone using the El for their personal interest.
Denif:Do not bother me again about the 'Guardian Stone'... As I would never allow it.
Chung:! The Guardian Stone? Using the El for personal interest...?
Denif:......
Chung:What is Master Denif talking about?
Aisha:I think... He's talking about the past, long ago.
Aisha:That has to be him before the El explosion. The seal is taking the form of the sealer with his memories.
Chung:He mentioned the Guardian Stone. The stone that's been passed down in the Seiker family for generations...
Chung:But the fact that it's made with the Water El is not very well know... Did they try to create the Guardian Stone before the split?
Aisha:Ugh...! I want to ask about the Landar family as well! But seeing how stubborn he looks, I don't think he'll answer my questions.
Aisha:Master Denif, we need your help to find the Dark El. We can't just back down!
Denif:I see. Then show me your resolve.
Denif:If you fail my trials, you will go back empty-handed.
Quest Completion Dialogue
Aisha:So we'll be facing Master Denif...!
Aisha:We didn't see him fight because he was guarding the El even when Hennon attacked Elrianode.
Aisha:Though this is only an illusion created by the seal, when will we ever get a chance to see an El Master in action? I will make sure to learn everything I can!
Denif:Daughter of Landar, you told me you wish to go to the Demon Realm. Why do you wish to journey to the Demon Realm?
Aisha:(He's talking to me...? Why would he create a seal that can talk? Unless it has spells to befuddle those who wish to unseal it!)
Aisha:(Let's proceed with care. I will not let it interfere with my mind!)
Aisha:I must find something in the Demon Realm.
Denif:I understand there was an unfortunate circumstance that befell your family.
Denif:Do you believe the Demon Realm holds the answer you seek?
Aisha:(Ooops... I almost answered him...! What is he talking about? Grandpa never told me any of these stuff!)
Denif:... I sense pride clouding your judgement...
Denif:Child of Senace, why do you wish to journey to the Demon Realm?
Chung:I have a responsibility, to protect my friends and save my father!
Denif:Which responsibility is more important to you?
Chung:...! ... To protect my friends...
Denif:You lie. I sense a lack of resolve.
Chung:Grr...?!
Aisha:Chung! Don't respond to him! He's just goading us to protect the seal!
Chung:I lack resolve? You are mistaken! I mean what I say!
Denif:You failed to protect your friend. Even now, you are drowning in a sea of guilt.
Chung:... I will gladly receive any criticism pointing out my failures! But... But I understand I have a duty and am responsible for my actions!
Denif:You are conflicted. In fact, you have been conflicted for a long time.
Denif:You say you stand by your friends, but once you realized you were close to your goal, you wanted to focus on finding Helputt.
Chung:I! I...
Denif:Even when Elrianode was not fully restored, and all your friends were disheartened, I know you secretly found relief to hear the news of Helputt.
Denif:But the lead you had was obscured. And you had to retreat dishonorably with your friends heavily injured.
Denif:You resent yourself for your failure. Yet, you have not let your desire to find Helputt go. Am I wrong?
Aisha:(This is not good... Don't answer him, Chung...!)
Chung:... You're right.
Aisha:!! Chung...
Chung:When we were trapped in the Demon Realm... I was happy to have another opportunity to find my father. I knew everyone was exhausted... But I just couldn't help but hope.
Chung:I was anxious, between my hopes to find my father... and my fear that it was already too late.
Chung:Even now... I wish to go to the Demon Realm to find my father, by myself if I have to!
Denif:And is that wrong?
Chung:It is... I mustn't...
Chung:Even though I have began my journey to find my father... I cannot prioritize my selfish desire when the whole world is at stake.
Chung:I am the heir of the Seiker family, guardian of the people... I am honor-bound to guard this world as it is expected of me by the people of Senace and for the people of Elrios.
Denif:Is it not natural for a child to wish to find his parent?
Chung:That is just my personal desire. I should not throw away my duty or hold anyone back because of it...!
Aisha:No, you shouldn't think that way!
Chung:... Aisha?
Aisha:Why are you saying it like that? You just want to find your family, how can that be a bad thing?!
Aisha:We all understand! We know the effort you put in to save Sir Helputt! None of us think you are holding us back!
Aisha:We know how you feel, Chung. Even if you want to leave us to look for your father, we'd all understand...
Denif:The water is sensitive to its surroundings. I see great turmoil rippling within you.
Denif:You suffer from the altruistic wish to save others. But that desire will not help you if you cannot help yourself.
Denif:If you are going to live as a prisoner of your own making, you are not worthy.
Chung:.......
Aisha:(Why would he say such a thing... Oh, could it be?)
Chung cannot seem to answer the question in order to pass the trial given by the seal...
Quest Acceptance Dialogue
Aisha:Pride will cloud your judgement... Be mentally prepared...
Aisha:Now I understand. This is not a regular seal attacking intruders.
Aisha:You're really just testing whether or not we're worthy. Huhu, it was my mistake to think this would be just like releasing any other seal.
Denif:Then I shall ask again. Daughter of Landar, why do you wish to journey to the Demon Realm?
Aisha:I am Aisha, of Landar. I need to go to the Demon Realm to retrieve the Ring of Mimir and find the Dark El to stop any harm coming to Elrios.
Denif:So your personal journey had led you to a greater cause.
Denif:But no one holds you responsible. There are many others who can step up to protect this realm. Should you not focus on finding the ring?
Aisha:The Ring of Mimir IS very important to me.
Aisha:I actually wanted to find the ring and teach the guy who stole it a lesson he won't forget. I didn't manage to find the ring yet, but I did beat the guy who stole it, so I guess I managed to complete half of my goal.
Aisha:The one who stole the ring to abuse it and the one who wants to use the Dark El to endanger this world are both Henir's Order.
Aisha:So, if you ask me which one is more important, I'd have to answer, 'to find the Dark El and stop Henir's Order'!
Denif:I see. I understand your resolve.
Denif:When a vile magician comes from a family with a long history of brilliant magicians, the whole family can be disgraced.
Denif:However, I see that you are trying to fix the wrong committed by your family. Just like the river, constantly flowing to wash away the waste, only to return to its radiant state once more.
Denif:Everything will eventually return to its original state.
Denif:Daughter of Landar, may you bring back honor to your disgraced family and accomplish all that you wish to accomplish.
Aisha:Th, thank you!
Aisha:(Did I pass...?)
Denif:Child of Senace, do you have your answer?
Chung:...
Chung:I... don't know...
Quest Completion Dialogue
Chung:I kept thinking after what you said. What can I actually give up?
Chung:But... I cannot give up anything!
Denif:Your indecision is what causes you suffering.
Chung:... I've always tried my best to honor my father. It is why I thought I had to do more for others than for myself.
Chung:I always believed that was my duty, and my responsibility for the power I hold. I still believe it.
Chung:Maybe you're right, and I trapped myself in a prison of my own making. I might feel lighter if I let go.
Chung:I can follow my desire to focus solely on finding my father, or follow my duty to focus solely on protecting my friends. But...
Chung:I do not want to just choose one.
Chung:I am here right now because of my father, and because of my friends.
Denif:So you wish to continue on as is? You burden will weigh you down. It may break you down and crush you. You may regret your decision.
Chung:Then I will carry even that regret upon my shoulders. The journey to protect the world, to save my father...
Chung:Even when all this desire ends up suffocating me, I will carry it.
Chung:I'm sorry Aisha. Maybe I'm just not worthy.
Aisha:What are you talking about! That was wonderfully spoken!
Aisha:There must be other ways to find the Dark El. You'll help me find it, right?
Chung:Yes! I will do my best!
Chung:Master Denif, that is my answer. I refuse to choose an answer.
Denif:No, but you did.
CRASH--!!
Chung:Ugh! What's going on?
Aisha:The dimension is falling apart! Did we manage to release the seal?
Denif:Son of Seiker, you will find yourself on a thorny path. Your firm determination will cause you to stuble and fall. However...
Denif:If you are willing to carry the weight, your prison will become the armor that will guard you.
Denif:I see why the power of El still remains with you, even after the restoration of the Large El.
Aisha and Chung successfully release the seal. After the trial, Denif answers any questions they had.
Quest Acceptance Dialogue
Aisha:Are we back?
Chung:What... happened in the end? What happened to the seal?
Denif:The device is unsealed. Good work.
Aisha:M, Master Denif?
Denif:Why are you so surprised?
Aisha:Oh, i, it's nothing... I mean! I do have a question...
Denif:What do you wish to ask?
Aisha:We met you in the compass. Was that really you?
Denif:That being would have had my form and my memory. But I would not say, that being was I are one and the same.
Denif:The seal, of course, was formed with the Water El. It holds El's will.
Chung:So the familiar feeling that I felt... must have been the Water El.
Denif:I suspect it also knew information I have no access to, as it would have reacted to your memories.
Chung:... The Master Denif inside the compass told me, that I still have the power of El, even after the restoration of the Large El. What does that mean?
Denif:I see, so it told you.
Denif:... When the Large El was restored, all the El were absorbed into the Large El. Even the Moon El taken by the demon named Ran.
Chung:What? Then do the magic stones that hold the power of El no longer serve their function?
Chung:I mean... It's good that the Moon El is no longer in the hands of the demons...!
Denif:Do not worry. The El naturally spreads its blessing and retrieves it to cycle the energy. While it may have temporarily lost its power with the restoration, it should be stable now.
Chung:Phew, that's a relief. Is that why the Guardian Stone still holds the power of El?
Denif:That would have been the reason, if you stayed in Elrios.
Chung:Ah...!
Denif:While you were in the Demon Realm, did the Guardian Stone ever fail to respond to your call?
Chung:No... Everything worked as usual. Was my Guardian Stone the exception?
Denif:No, that is due to the property of the Water El. Water observes the property of its surroundings, transforming into something completely different. It can become a prison or an elixir, all depending on what it holds.
Denif:The reason why the Guardian Stone still worked even outside of Elrios, was because the Water El accepted your will and transformed.
Chung:I see. So that's why I was able to use the power of the Guardian Stone even in the Demon Realm. I never thought of myself to have strong will power...
Chung:Then... Master Denif...
Chung:If I meet my father in the Demon Realm... And my father is still transformed, using the power of the Guardian Stone...
Aisha:Then Sir Helputt might still have some of his human soul intact!
Denif:Yes, as his Guardian Stone would have been absorbed back into the Dark El, if he lost his will completely.
Chung:Father...
Quest Completion Dialogue
Aisha:Anyway, I was wondering... Why did you put such a complicated seal, Master Denif?
Aisha:I do admit, it's a special device, and can be considered a historical relic in and of itself, but...
Denif:Hm? Did I not tell you? This compass was from my mother.
Aisha:Your...! Is it ok for us to take such a precious memento?
Denif:I do not mind. It is better for it to serve a purpose.
Denif:My mother would have been happy to help your journey.
Chung:Oh... Thank you... Thank you so much, Master Denif!
Chung:And... Um... The Master Denif inside the compass told me you were against the El being used for personal reasons.
Chung:That's when you realized that our family must have used the Water El that fell in Senace to create Guardian Stones after the El explosion.
Chung:It doesn't change anything... and my apology may not be enough... But I still wish to apologize for my family's wrong doing!
Denif:I cannot accept that apology.
Chung:......
Denif:Because the Seiker family did no wrong. Who do you think gave them the duty to protect the Water El?
Chung:Huh? Do you mean...
Denif:I trusted the Seiker family would do their best to protect the Water El... and when I saw you for the first time, I knew I placed my trust well.
Denif:In any case, the Water El would not have responded to anyone who had ill intention.
Denif:You should not feel guilty, as you are the rightful owner of the Guardian Stone.
Chung:Oh... I see. I understand.
Aisha:(... There's still so many unanswered questions...)
Aisha:(A vile magician? The disgrace of Landar? I never heard anything like that. And... If that magician is somehow involved with Henir's Order...)
Aisha:(I followed my Grandpa to find old relics because I was interested... But he always did tell me that it was the duty of a Landar.)
Aisha:(Is that duty to atone for the sin committed by our ancestor?)
Aisha:(How much do you know about the Landar family, Master Denif... I wish I could ask Grandpa about all of this...)
Chung:Thank goodness, Aisha. This should really help us find the Dark El in the Demon Realm!
Aisha:Huh? Oh, yes! It wouldn't have happened if it weren't for you.
Aisha:I think you should have it, Chung.
Chung:Me? But...
Aisha:I think your answer was the ultimate reason why we were able to pass the trial. Since the Guardian Stone also uses the power of the Water El, it might be compatible.
Chung:... Would that be ok?
Aisha:Huh? Why? What's the matter?
Chung:Um, well... Although we passed the trial, I can't help but think I was just being stubborn. Is it really fine like this, when nothing has been resolved?
Aisha:What are you talking about, Chung? You DECIDED you won't give up on anything and carry the full weight!
Chung:But... When the time comes, and I do have to make a choice... My selfishness could trouble everyone...
Aisha:Just because we're saving the world, doesn't mean we have to give up on our personal goals! I'm still looking for the Ring of Mimir myself, you know!
Aisha:Besides, it's to save someone precious to you! And you saved Elsword without hesitation, even knowing that the El would become unstable. Very decisive, if you ask me.
Chung:... Oh!
Aisha:See? When push comes to shove, I know you will not hesitate. You'll find a way for us to stay together, without anyone hurting.
Chung:... Thank you, Aisha. I won't forget what you told me.
Aisha:I'm glad you're back to your confident self! We'll be in your care, ok?
Aisha:(I'll ask Master Denif next time. I'm sure an opportunity would arise at some point.)
[Village] Memory of Water
Varnimyr
Pruinaum
Tirnog
