sandbox_1

Long time no see.

Good work out there.

No need to thank me, Doctor. It's my pleasure to lend you my assistance in this field operation.

That said, there is something I need to make clear up front. I am here on some personal business. You'll have to grant me a short leave when the time comes.

Of course. Not a problem.

A second victory. With all your new companions, we're filled with hope here like never before.

That was a great victory. I only hope they'll learn from their defeat and stop harassing us.

Hmph, with how greedy the lords ameer are, they won't call it quits unless get what they want.

They have no shortage of money, yet they continue to invade the area year after year. What they are seeking must be very special.

So Arsalan really does have ruins and treasure?

This place isn't called the Szubat-Arsalan for no reason. This is one of the areas where the Aslans first took up arms.

It is hardly surprising there are thousand year-old ruins here.

The handbook mentioned that.

I think... whatever it is they're looking for, the ameeri troops will be back.

Yes... I-I agree... They'll launch another attack... More covert, and more difficult to fend off.

Ahh! Manticore, what are you doing here?

I... I've been here the entire time...

I have heard a thing or two about the covert assassins they keep in the palace...

Hm... Wherever the ameeri troops can't conquer, they send the assassins.

And they say death follows in their wake. Every patch of land they walk is drowned in blood.

What should we do?

We need to find out what the treasure really is.

We gotta get to the truth of the treasure...

Only then will we know how to fight the lords ameer.

I agree. We can't let those troops keep searching here.

If we find the treasure before them, we might earn ourselves the chance to talk peace.

Right, without a stable environment, we won't be able to continue our mission.

We should make contact with that Pepe first. She's the one closest to the truth so far.

But we should also prepare for the worst case scenario. If we end up having to fight them to the end... our camp will need more resources.

Effendi, what is there in the jungle to the north?

The Forbidden Tsalimashtu to the north... *sigh*. The ameeri army is there, too. We are too afraid to go any further north.

What is the place like?

The ancestors described it as a sacred place. A 'servant' of the Shah once stayed there for a stretch of time.

Perhaps that's where our treasure is.

But if they found the ruins long ago, why would they keep digging all over the place?

After a fierce overnight battle, you see the enemies recede like the tide, exposing the barren dunes in the distance. Discarded weapons and shields dot the landscape, shimmering beneath the sun.

We've received intel that the nearby ameeri army is in retreat. According to the customs of this region, this means that they've 'acknowledged' our strength.

I have a question.

This place is called Arsalan, right?

That's right... the 'Lionpride's Ancient Throne'.

Are the Aslans unaware of this?

There's been no movement from the Golden City for years. If anyone really cared about this place, then why didn't they come stop the ameeri army?

Might they be staging a comeback?

No, the truth should be evident to the lords ameer. The 'treasure' they seek is not here.

For them, this place has become yet another ordinary patch of land with no particular appeal.

Plus, there are 'meddlesome' folks like us still hanging around. Why go to the trouble?

That's good to hear.

You let out a sigh of relief and sit down cross-legged. The sand-laced morning breeze brushes your face, quickly drying the sweat on your body. You feel a sense of comfort overtake you, and your head starts to bobble along with the wind.

Soon, the wind is also carrying little segments of your snores.

Weeks later...

It's a pity you're leaving before I can finish the telling mine and Arsalan's stories.

A new chapter has already begun.

If the tribe runs into any trouble, feel free to contact us through the branch office we'll establish here.

*sigh*.... I don't know if these old bones will hold up that long.

Don't say that.

And here I was about to ask you take extra good care of the operators we're leaving behind.

It's the right thing to do. Without your help, our tribe would've be lost souls beneath the golden sands.

Just thinking about those perilous times has me breaking out in a cold sweat.

May you enjoy health and prosperity.

Riḥlah sa'idah.

Time flies... In the blink of an eye, I'm headed to yet another place.

But as long as you have your friends with you, it's the same, no matter where you go.

Maybe later, once all this is over, I could take you to my homeland, back in the Acahuallan Jungle.

It's still the jungle, but things are a bit calmer there...

I, I'd like to go... As long as everyone's together... It'll be fine. I really like it.

You really should consider tidying up all the scrap metal lying around your place, before you invite anyone over.

Yeah, yeah. I know. Why are you such a nag?

Huh. Didn't expect Tuye to drive over so quickly.

What? I've already taken a few laps around the desert and you still aren't ready.

We can get going once we finish moving the luggage and equipment.

For whatever reason... it feels like there's something we forgot to do...

Oh, that's right! A group photo!

Hand me the camera, I'll take the picture.

Here.

Thanks.

And... Say cheese.

C'mon, get ready now, I'm taking it!

Passenger, what are you standing all the way out there for? You're not in the frame.

Eunectes, given my height, it's better for me to stand a bit farther back.

Get in close already, Passenger. Don't worry, I promise the thing won't spray everyone when you press the shutter.

*sigh*... It's your own fault for pulling so many pranks. Now, everyone's on alert whenever they get near you.

We're just waiting on you, Passenger.

Very well. If you insist.

Eek! Um... S-Sorry! Eunectes...

Manticore, why'd you lean over onto me all of a sudden? Nearly stepped on my foot, you know.

I... I...

Does me standing here make you nervous, Manticore?

No, I... Umm...

What, is there bad blood between you two?

Of course not. In fact, Manticore and I only just met during this field operation.

You can corroborate that, right, Manticore?

Y-Yes... I, umm, have never met you before this...

Why all the chatter? Don't you know that some people get camera shy standing in front of a lens for too long?

Besides, there's nothing to worry about, Manticore. If you're nervous, I'll hold you in my arms for the photo. Does that sound better?

Th-Thank you...

(Whispers) Fun.

Is everyone ready?

Good enough. Go ahead and take it.

Hold up, are we missing someone?

Everyone's here, no...?