act20side

A videotape. Want to take a look?

Found you.

Oh, Avdotya, what a coincidence. Are you here to enjoy the scenery again?

Be frank with me — why did you people come here?

Miss Inam said she'd handle the discussions with Miss Croque, so the rest of us came out here to find Zumama.

That's not what I mean. Why did you surface people come down into our city? What's your real purpose?

I've been guarding the Super Convenient Lift-o-Matic #1 for a long time. Where's the main battalion backing you? Have Sargon's lords ameer finally taken an interest in the wealth underground?

This city doesn't have the loot you want. Leave, unless you want to poison this peaceful little city with bloodshed.

I told you, this is a misunderstanding. Stitch was trying to find someone to help him repair the railway, and tricked us into coming here.

You mean you're his slave labor? And you're okay with that?

Hey.

That guy was acting like the sky was falling at the time, and Tomimi added her own creative touch... *sigh*, I was worried half to death, Zumama was up all night prepping for a tough fight, and we rushed over as fast as we could.

*sniffle*... Sorry, I just wanted Gavial to take some time off...

Well, it worked out... I guess I'll take this opportunity for a little vacation.

So... You people really don't have any ill intent? You weren't ordered by some noble to ransack the town?

Believe me or not. Your call.

You do have a point... Even Sargon wouldn't ask someone as rude as you to serve them.

Rude? I just don't like wasting my breath.

My plan's simple and straightforward. Help out that little runt Stitch, pick up some useful tech for us Tiacauh, and then go home. That's all.

There's still a bunch of patients back at Rhodes Island waiting for me to check on 'em.

You're telling me you're a doctor?

What, do I not look the part? I'm licensed and everything.

If Miss Tomimi here said that she was a doctor, I'd be half-inclined to believe her for a few seconds.

Oh, I can be a doctor too! Gavial taught me anesthesia!

Find the right spot, and then give it a good whack––

Everyone at Rhodes Island calls it, uh, 'Gaviallic kinetic anesthesia.'

For crying out loud, it's a non-conventional modality. Even I rarely use it outside of extremely special circumstances.

For example, when you've just run out of anesthesia and you lost your supply bag because you were beating the bad guys with it, stuff like that.

––I think I'll keep an eye on you people after all.

Don't get any funny ideas. Zeruertza is my haven of peace, and I won't let you destroy it.

Go nuts.

I'll make sure you leave Zeruertza after doing what you said you're here to do.

Well, until then, why don't we check out the shops?

Um, Miss Avdotya... You're from these parts, so would you mind showing us around Zeruertza?

Just a word of warning... If your plan is to case the city and map it, you'd give up on that.

N-No, that's not it! What I mean is...

I absolutely love your outfit! Are there any Durin fashion outlets worth visiting? I... really want to go take a look!

Huh...?

Alright, if that's what you want... There are a few places worth going to.

Are you interested in seeing some Durin jewelry?

I am!!

Stitch––

What are you doing here, Catch?

You used to always lock yourself in your room. What's the occasion?

Look, even I want to catch some rays every now and then. Surely you didn't come all the way out here just to say that?

You're trying to blow up my slide, and you're not even going to let me talk to you?

...Hmph. So you know.

Master Edge told me.

That decrepit old... Are you here to get a confession out of me?

Actually, I'm not opposed to it. This summer has gone on far too long.

And as architects, our best work is always the next project, right?

Gah. I hate that part of you more than anything else.

Which?

You don't have a single serious bone in your body.

Hahaha, I'll take that as the highest compliment!

I'll agree to whatever you want with the slide, on the condition that we talk about the dome.

What's there to talk about?

Let's go take a walk. You should experience the Great Aquapit for yourself before deciding whether to blow it up, no?

Do you have more? Where can I get the next one?!

Pwaaah! That's the good stuff! Inam, want me to pour you some more?

I still haven't finished mine...

C'mon, hurry it up~

It's a shame Team Red Wine and Coffee didn't win the championship! Ahh, they were just one step away from that ship!

You seem to be enjoying yourself.

I must admit, you surface-dwellers lead slightly more interesting lives than I imagined!

What is this a recording of?

The Dossoles Warrior Championship. It's an old video I got from a friend who runs a caravan.

I heard something happened there not too long ago, and I don't know if the event has been held these last few years.

Ahhhh! I want to see more! I want to see the losers make a comeback next year!

Croque, even the most boring form of recreation can become quite stimulating if you spice things up with a bit of competition.

You cheer for the team you support while chugging ale with your friends. I don't think any Durin would be able to turn down this lifestyle.

Plus, alcohol and fast food sales generally double during a competition. How about it? I think it'd fit the Durins like a glove.

Alcohol sells well enough in this city, and I doubt there's any need to hold a competition to stimulate those sales.

That said, hmm... From the perspective of fun and entertainment, there is a certain appeal.

Let me say this to you straight, business representative.

Want to build a super water racetrack?

I feel... New. Complete.

Hahaha, you can stop circling me now, little fella. I'm just as happy to see you good as new.

Zumama: skilled at overhauls.

Zumama, requesting favor. Small favor.

0428, partner: already retired. No longer responding to communication. Requesting assistance.

Shipped along with this machine, built in the same factory. Now, no longer responding.

No longer responding?

Don't worry. Take me to see it.

Zumama, this way.

These components, and this design... Hmm, might be a bit more complicated than routine maintenance.

How does this thing work? And what's this component for? It's nothing like Lancet, and I don't think Closure has ever said anything about these.

If I connect it here... No, I should be more careful. This is your friend after all, right?

Friend? Zumama has described this relationship several times. But I do not understand it.

Repair cannot be performed?

If only I had some information to work from...

Information? The library, preserves information.

Can you take me there?

Assisting in navigation is my glorious mission. Zumama, this way please.

Now that's something you don't see every day.

I've never heard of anything like that in the books. Surface-dwellers are worth looking into.

Elysium, let's have a little race to see who can fly out face-first from the super spinny slide the fastest. How about it?

Hah, you're about to see why they call me Rhodes Island's Legendary Aqua-Man!

Thorns has nothing on me when it comes to this game!

I'll be honest here. I don't have the slightest bit of interest in hanging out with you. I'd rather be eaten by one of the gloompincers in that damned Acahuallan jungle.