Story/Chapter 38: Difference between revisions

*'''Winster:''' ''In any case, I would like to learn more about how Calonne is doing. But alas, the poisonous gas here makes this place unsuitable for such conversations. If it is alright with you, I would like to invite you all to our village. I'm sure the villagers would be happy to meet a friend of Calonne's''

*'''Winster:''' ''Return...? You mean to Elrios?''

*'''Winster:''' ''I'm not certain if it's related, but strange things do happen around this area. Things that should be here disappear, while things that shouldn't be, appear.''

*'''Winster:''' ''I can't say I know all that happens in the sea... But this is the first time I've encountered anyone from Elrios in this tunnel.''

*'''Winster:''' ''... Why are you all looking at me so strangely?''

*'''Winster:''' ''I'm sorry, we do not know much about what happened at the surface since we've been sent down here... Did somebody develop a technology that connects between our realm and Elrios already?''

*'''Winster:''' ''Would you be able to trust the information I give you?''

*'''Winster:''' ''How's this? If you accept my invitation to visit our village, I will use the special transportation device I used, to lead you to the surface. I will act as your guide, and you can supervise my actions.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Would you believe it if I say it's because the news of a long lost friend is very dear to me?''

*'''Winster:''' ''... Thank you for accepting my offer. I will lead you to the village. This way.''

*'''Winster:''' ''It's because of the powerful sea current below the tunnel. If you are swept away, you will be lost forever. Of course, I suspect with your skills this is rather unnecessary, but why waste energy if there's an easier way?''

*'''Winster:''' ''That was part of the reason, but more importantly...''

*'''Winster:''' ''Ah... Looks like we've exceeded maximum capacity. My mistake, it's been a long time since I had to transport so many people.''

*'''Winster:''' ''We can't land by the village at this rate. After we pass through the current, I will attempt an emergency landing.''

*'''Winster:''' ''There's a layer of air beneath the current here. It's why we've built the village underneath the sea current.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Do not worry. I've made sure to reinforce the surface multiple times in case this happens.''

*'''Winster:''' ''We are exiting the sea current.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Looks like it was a successful landing.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Just because it's beautiful doesn't mean it's a great place to live. This cold, barren, desolate winter sea... We call this place, Rigomor.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Hm? This place...''

*'''Winster:''' ''Well, you see... The deep sea creatures here have strange... habits. They collect hard, or shiny objects to build their nests.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Of course it's troublesome. It's not an easy device to produce. We might have to drag this submarine all the way to the village if we do not have the energy core.''

*'''Winster:''' ''... I have one more request. The reason why they've taken the energy core is merely because it's in their nature to do so. They do not intend harm in anyways. Would it be possible... Not to harm any of the creatures?''

*'''Winster:''' ''If it's too difficult then...''

*'''Winster:''' ''I will remain here and attempt to communicate with the villagers. Please, remember my request.''

*'''Winster:''' ''You're back.''

*'''Winster:''' ''It must have been troublesome finding this, and you've kept your promise?''

*'''Winster:''' ''... I see. Please forgive me for my insolence, Steel Queen.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Haivan!!''

*'''Winster:''' ''You are standing before one of the 4 rulers of the demon realm. Pay proper respect.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Yes, although you look different than before, it wasn't hard to recognize you. So initially, I was thinking about destroying the tunnels. I couldn't just stand idly knowing that the villagers will be hurt, and the village destroyed.''

*'''Winster:''' ''But now, I feel grace and dignity from you, in place of the violent intent. I was certain that now, you would listen to what I had to say.''

*'''Winster:''' ''In short, I wish for you to aid in my lord's resurrection.''

*'''Winster:''' ''... Others think that my lord was murdered, but it actuality, you could say that my lord is sealed. When the world was changing, my lord felt there were those who threatened this world, and devised a method to keep her soul in case she is fatally injured. That day of the betrayal, her soul was hidden in a safe location, and to this day, we are guarding one of her soul fragments.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Unfortunately, with our body, we were not capable of keeping even a single soul fragment. Lord Aegirp also was not prepared for enemies from within. Unless the demon in contact with the soul is powerful, the demon will go berserk. However, as a demon lord yourself, you should be able to endure it. Please collect the rest of the souls and aid us in my lord's resurrection.''

*'''Winster:''' ''All I can say is that if that were your intention, we wouldn't be having this conversation.''

*'''Winster:''' ''... I didn't know you already heard from Calonne. I wonder how much he trusted you. My lord believed that the reason why the Nous and the Garen were in conflict were because of the barren lands. She believed that if we had enough resources, there wouldn't be any reason to fight.''

*'''Winster:''' ''You are right. We didn't have much to offer. However, there were still some things you couldn't get in Elrios. For example... Like this gem here.''

*'''Winster:''' ''In the past, we opened a portal using the energy from this gem. However, we can no longer use it, as we cannot go to the surface.''

*'''Winster:''' ''We can no longer use the portal we've used to trade, as it's located on the surface where the Garen are. I suspect it no longer exists.''

*'''Winster:''' ''You are right, we do have one.''

*'''Winster:''' ''I understand your concern. After all, we only invested in 'portal technology'.''

*'''Winster:''' ''We had foundation. When our lord was thinking of a way to gain resources, she found something underground. There was a secret laboratory with detailed research on portals.''

*'''Winster:''' ''That data was just one method of realizing our dreams. The laboratory contained many research that helped us. After many trial and error, we were able to complete a portal. But for whatever reason, we were unable to activate the portal that was in the laboratory.''

*'''Winster:''' ''We knew that the portal inside the laboratory needed special energy to operate, but it was impossible to find related data to continue with the research. Since your technology is more advanced, you might be able to use the portal.''

*'''Winster:''' ''This is a gem from Varnimyr...! And this power... This should be enough to act as a power source.''

*'''Winster:''' ''It would be ideal if we can borrow all of your help, but what we really need is Queen Luciela's power. Because the laboratory that holds the portal is important to us, we can only take those who we trust as allies.... So? What will it be?''

*'''Winster:''' ''... Not at all.''

*'''Winster:''' ''If you want, I'll lead you right away.''

*'''Winster:''' ''... You really have changed.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Good timing. I called someone to help us move the submarine to the village.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Nichel. This is one of the four demon lords, Queen Luciela, and her allies. They've promised to aid us in resurrecting our lord.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Her parents were two of the few Garen who helped us. Nichel was born here, after the event.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Nichel. We must start the abandoned plant. We don't know what might go wrong, so please go check.''

*'''Winster:''' ''I will explain on the way. Follow me.''

*'''Winster:''' ''In order to go through the laboratory's security system, we need a special power source from this plant. While we create the power source by operating the plant. We need help from you to make sure nothing goes awry.''

*'''Winster:''' ''If we refine icerite mined from the lower levels, we can create a highly concentrated icerite capsules. It contains pure condensed energy.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Yes. It's one of very few resources we can use here. It's a green, ice-like mineral with wave patterns. You will be able to recognize it easily.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Back to the subject at hand, right now we won't have enough resources to create the energy source, so we need to mine the resource while operating the plant.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Welcome back, Nichel. How's the situation on the roof?''

*'''Winster:''' ''Ah... I was hoping that wouldn't be the case.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Sometimes the deep sea creatures settle by the chimney. Unlike others, they consume icerites, so they like being near the plant. We chase them away whenever we need to operate this place. Looks like we'll have to do it this time as well.''

*'''Winster:''' ''If they've settled by the chimney, I suspect the inside is just as infested. It's best if we split up. If it's just our usual maintenance, Nichel would be enough, but seems you are in a hurry, I will designate some of you to the upper level as well.''

*'''Winster:''' ''Nichel will head towards the chimney, Haivan will head to the center of the plant where the refiner is, and I will be headed to the lower levels.''

*'''Winster:''' ''He's right. You will all be with us as your guide. There's no need to worry.''