act32side

Say, haven't I seen them before?

The man picks up yesterday's newspaper and flips to the gossip section, pausing at its title: 'No one can stand him! Reynell changes bodyguards AGAIN.'

Subtitle: 'Exclusive report: Four guards, two shifts? Who are they?'

Hey... they look really like the ones down there.

Looks like we really have to 'repay' their 'kindness.'

I feel like I've been born again... It's hard to describe.

Thank you... It's such an astonishing massage technique.

I learned it in Kjerag. I had to climb Mt. Karlan in a snowstorm to convince the Saintess there to teach me.

Pah, you came here from Siracusa what, seven or eight years ago? When did you have the time to go to the Snow Realm? Don't believe her tall tales.

Hey, I resent the accusation!

Well, thank you for the massage. But we should go—

Reynell has a lot of people working for him. A couple less won't make any difference.

How about you stay a little while longer and enjoy our hospitality?

Er...

Papá? What's the matter?

Why are you with these medicine robbers? Why did you bring them here?

...Medicine?

Yes, medicine for Oripathy! They stole it!

Stole? It couldn't be them! They don't even know what Oripathy is!

We don't know anything about any medicine. Could there be a misunderstanding?

Misunderstanding? Who else but Blacksteel and you dress like mercenaries and use guns in these parts?

We were just bringing the girl back.

Well, if there's a misunderstanding, we'll clear it up. Take them in!

The duo see Diaz's aide raise his staff.

While they cannot imagine how the light at the tip of the staff would do damage, they instinctively sense the approaching danger.

Run, Kateb!

Look out!

Come on, you gun-toting thugs! I dare you to set foot in this neighborhood!

You were too fast, I couldn't catch you. Where are they?

Hiding.

What are you doing standing there? Find them!

Move, move!

What was that? Magic?

I think they called it Originium Arts. But I guess magic is fine.

We need to find a way out. The exits are all guarded.

Cover me. I'll control the replicate.

Ready.

Gemini Replicator active.

Hey, where did they go?

Not here, not there...

Where did she come from?!

Right in the middle of the road!

Bows, crossbows, launchers, Arts Units... all sorts of weapons point towards the gemini decoy in the middle of the road.

Even Iana is speechless at the reception.

Well... talk about a warm welcome.

Bows, crossbows, bombs, 'magic'... hmph.

Let's go while they're distracted by the decoy. It won't take long for them to figure it out.

Maybe we should get in touch with Ela, see what's going on. I'm just so confused right now...

No, I'm sure it's not Reynell's guys. His guards have been busy getting whipped by Shuhrat.

Are you sure he's telling the truth?

I'm sure. He hasn't had a chance to give an order like that today.

But the people here seem sure that we stole their medicine.

That's not important. What's important is that we get out of that neighborhood ASAP...

It's dangerous for you two to continue, given their special powers. Do you need support?

No. Their Originium Arts are impressive, but they're just a disorganized mob. I know how to protect myself, and Kateb's here with me.

...Get in touch if anything happens.

I will.

They've dispersed, Meijer. Time to move.

Okay, let's go.

Alright, I've taken a look from up high. The district is roughly divided into three areas: the outer ring, the residential district, and that building at the center.

Which is always patrolled by guys with magic wands. There must be someone or something important there.

That's not important. We're steering well clear of it anyway.

What about going through the residential area? I didn't see anyone armed. It seems to be a safe path.

Or it could be more dangerous.

True... common sense doesn't apply to this planet.

Wah—Wah—

Don't cry, babe, daddy will sing you a song.

Where are you flying, tired fowlbeast♪

Towards tomorrow's wind♪

Don't you know♪

Your wings are for today♪

(Whisper) Asleep, finally...

I didn't think I would hear a song like that here.

Yikes!

What happened?

Something just dashed past my feet. Rat, snail... I'm not sure. It's too dark.

This is their garbage dump. No wonder no one comes here.

The way out is just ahead. You should be glad that people don't come to this stink heap.

Hostiles?!

No, just light from that window.

Why would they do this in their own home?

Oh, thank you so much, honey. That fowlbeast just kept running.

Well, it's not running anymore. Now we can—

Oh no, it's waking up again! Arts like that just don't work here!

(Loud fowlbeast crowing)

Oh no, she's waking up again!

(Loud baby crying)

Ha...

I guess Originium Arts isn't the answer to everything.

Look at the colored acrylic boards on the walls. Only people who think of this place as home would put up decorations with no practical use like those.

Same goes for the graffiti on this side. The scenes, figures and decorations don't look like casual doodles.

Every picture seems to tell a story.

Wh-What are you doing here?

Er, girl, we...

Calm down. We didn't do what that gentleman accused us of... It's a misunderstanding.

I... I don't know. You helped me, but...

We mean no harm... You know that, girl.

Go right once you leave the alley. The left side may look empty, but sometimes Papá goes out there to smoke.

I was just taking out the trash. I didn't see anything.

You...