level_act15mini_st03

Breathe in—

Hffff—

Breath out—

Phew—

Here. Eat this.

Okay—Gah, so sour...

At least it's edible, right? You'll get used to it.

And here. This too.

Awgh—Huh? How come this nut is hollow?

Like a bubble?

Mm... yeah.

The locals call them 'bubbles.' You hardly feel anything when you eat them, but they're very important for climbing these mountains.

Do you feel better now? Does your head still hurt?

Mm—I'm fine now. These fruits and nuts are way better than altitude sickness pills, at least.

So do you know how they work?

No. But does it really matter, as long as they do?

Of course it does. I gotta jot this down and bring some samples back with me. My colleagues in pharmaceutical R&D would love to hear about this.

Did you bring any of those pills?

For altitude sickness? Of course.

You should take a look at the active ingredients.

(Rummages through baggage)

Here they are!

Main ingredients... wild sourberries and bubblenut extract... You mean...?!

One of Sami's primary exports to Columbia is raw medicinal ingredients.

Although I hear your company plans to cut off all trade with us as soon as they figure out how to synthesize or cultivate them themselves.

Unfortunately for them, that will never happen. Not with something from Sami.

You're saying we can't recreate the growth conditions in Columbia?

No, of course you can. But even if you did, what sprouts from the soil wouldn't be the same plants.

For one very simple reason.

(In Sami) Because everything is provided by Sami.

(In Sami) Everything is provided by Sami.

(In broken Sami) Everything... provided... by Sami?

You pick up languages quickly. When we first met, you needed Simone to translate for you whenever you wanted to say something about Sami.

Hehe~

Your Columbian's not bad at all either.

Arges speaks it well. That's why I can manage.

I see the tree line. The mountainfolk won't bother us anymore.

Phew, finally. A place to have a good meal.

Do trees mean better food?

The mountains have meat, but no fruit.

The forest is different. There are all kinds of food there. Anything you could want to eat.

Whoa.

(Pulls out notes and starts writing) 'Forest has abundant resources...'

Typhon, is there a settlement nearby?

Yes, and it's a tribe with a tree.

Then they must have lived here in peace for many years.

A tribe with a tree? What does that mean?

Each forest tribe has their own clan tree.

...If they don't, then they must either be up-and-coming, or they managed to lose even their tree. Whichever the case, it's laughable.

Will this tribe listen to us?

I believe they're quite friendly.

But either way, I can guarantee they will be more welcoming than the mountain tribes.

Huh? Really?

Of course. The mountain warriors fight the monsters in the north and the unfriendly Ursus all year round, so you can't blame them for being so uptight.

Some of them are less cold when they leave the frontlines for home.

Well, that's good to hear.

So, how do the Sami usually categorize themselves?

It's pretty easy to remember. The ones farthest to the north who live in the mountains are the mountainfolk, the ones who live in the middle in the forest and its surroundings are the forestfolk, and the ones who live in the wetlands to the far south are the marshfolk.

What about you, then?

Me? I'm a hunter?

A hunter? Uh, going by the classifications you just gave me, shouldn't it be based on what environment you're from?

Oh, that... I'm a Sarkaz. I don't have a fixed place to live, and I don't belong to a tribe. So naturally, I live outside the rules.

Then what about Simone?

Simone...? She—

I'm a Rhodes Islander.

Rhodes? I've never heard of an island like that here.

Is Rhodes Island another category here?

Perhaps.

Here we are.

Whoa—

This tree... It's like... a vertical nomadic city!

I-I've never seen—

—I've gotta take a picture.

It doesn't seem so different from last time, but—

Why does it look like they're all moving things outside?

(In Sami) Welcome, friends.

(In Sami) Thank you for your hospitality, Attendant of the Tree. We came from the north. Would it be convenient for us to stay the night?

(In Sami) Of course, honorable shaman. We always enjoy receiving guests. In any other circumstances, your arrival would be reason enough for a feast.

(In Sami) Alas, as you can see, we are preparing to move from this land that has long been our home. We leave on the morrow.

(In Sami) You will find many of our houses on the Tree empty tonight. You and your companions may pick any of them to rest in. The Tree won't mind.

(In Sami) I thank the Tree and your tribe for your generosity.

(In Sami) You are very welcome. Please, come in.

(In Sami) Once you have settled down, please come to the ancestral home at the top of the Tree. We may have need of your wisdom.

(Nods)

We have their permission to stay the night. Let's pick... the house closest to the branch there.

Hah... Finally, sleeping indoors.

Is that important?

How else can you rest easy? Otherwise, you're up all night from worry.

Is that so... That's awfully picky of you.

It's not. Let me explain—

Waterproof pad... sleeping bag... there!

Pft.

What's so funny?

Hm? Oh, I just thought it was amusing that you put in all this effort just to sleep.

We don't get this chance every day, so I'm gonna make the most of it and get as comfy as I can.

Want to try it yourself?

Me? No need. As long as I have my robe to wrap myself in, I can sleep anywhere.

I mean, sure, you <i>could</i>... But you could also get in this sleeping bag and close your eyes. It's sooo comfortable, you'll see.

Really?

Can't hurt to give it a try, can it?

Alright...

Hup...

Just squeeze yourself in there. I won't zip it up.

Mm, it's soft. Like beast skin... But it feels lighter than that...

Mmm...

These are our rations for tonight.

Alright, thanks. You can leave Typhon's over here.

What's wrong with her?

I had her try out my sleeping bag, and she fell asleep, just like that.

...Oh.

I need to step out for a second and speak with the shaman here.

If you want to go outside, you should take Typhon with you.

The forestfolk may be friendlier, but they won't appreciate it if you don't follow their rules.

Okay, got it.

Have a safe trip, Simone!

Hey... Typhon. Typhon?

She seems pretty exhausted.

I'll just take a few photos from the doorway...

Hmm...

(In Sami) You requested my presence, ma'am?

(In Sami) Yes, yes. Thank goodness you've come.

(In Sami) Allow me to explain the situation. As you can see, we are preparing to move.

(In Sami) We encountered some trouble on our journey from the mountains. Are you facing similar issues here?

(In Sami) Indeed, indeed.

(In Sami) Thankfully, there are no victims yet, but my tribesmen tell me of a number of ill omens we've received.

(In Sami) Most importantly, there's this.

(In Sami) 'Korona,' 'Hreidr.'

(In Sami) Samivilinn is clear. Regardless of the reason, my tribe must depart for a more suitable home.

(In Sami) I understand.

(In Sami) But then, why did you summon me...?

(In Sami) Please take a look at this.

(In Sami) I mustn't. This is your tribe's register.

(In Sami) I am an outsider.

(In Sami) I understand your concerns, my friend.

(In Sami) I've lived in this forest ever since I was a child. As did my father, his father, and all of our ancestors.

(In Sami) But because we have lived such quiet, comfortable lives for so long, this register has become barely more than a symbol for us, an inheritance.

(In Sami) When I flip it open, I find myself unable to understand all of its words.

(In Sami) I've studied it with my family, and communicated with my ancestors in hopes of understanding of the symbols within.

(In Sami) But I feel as though we are still missing something.

(In Sami) You are a shaman too, are you not?

(In Sami) I was.

(In Sami) As long as you were once, your wisdom will undoubtedly be of assistance to us, friend.

(In Sami) Please have a look. We need your advice.

Hah!

Sleeping bags are actually pretty comfortable...

Magallan!

Strange... Where is she?

Things seem pretty noisy outside...

Hm... 'Outlander...' 'touching the clan tree'?!

Oh no, it has to be that birdbrain!

Speak.

I'm sorry! I knew I couldn't take samples, but I had no idea I wasn't even supposed to touch it!

*sigh*...

The tribe's tree is their oldest, most respected presence. Under normal circumstances, an outsider wouldn't even get the chance to stay in their tree houses.

Would you touch an ancient monument for no good reason? That, or... Do you have any wise elders where you're from?

Hm... The President?

President, okay. If you were to run up to your president and touch their face, how would others react?

I'd probably be tackled to the ground by secret service agents before I got within ten feet of him...

It's like that, then.

Luckily, these people are peaceful. All they've done is talk behind your back. If we were anywhere more hotheaded, they might have taken an axe to your head.

I'm sorry...

Simone told you to take me with you when you go outside. How could you forget?

I just wanted to take a few pictures, but the tree looked like it had a nice texture, so I wanted to see it up close, and...

Wait, huh? You heard what she said? Weren't you asleep?

I could hear her while asleep.

Th-Then how come you didn't wake up when I called your name?

Because I was asleep.

Ugh...

Anyway, you've learned your lesson. Don't get hung up on it. Do you want to try some tasty fruits and nuts?

They have any here?

I saw a lot of them in the forest.

Come, we'll pick as many as we can. Enough for Simone too. We can eat them on the road tomorrow.

Mm-hmm.

You two are back?

Mmhmm!

We got some fresh fruits. Do you want any, Simone?

Mmmmmm?

We should rest now.

Mm.

Magallan.

Mmm?

Typhon, what did you feed her?

It wasn't me. She picked some nuts and asked if they were poisonous. I said no, and before I could even finish, she'd stuffed her mouth full of them.

Silencing chestnuts?

Mhm.

You should rest, then. A good night's sleep ought to fix it.

Hmm...

Good night.

Good night, Simone.

Mm mmmmm.

Mmmm!

What's wrong?

Mm.

You keep the sleeping bag. I don't need it.

Sweet dreams.

Magallan can still remember how fluffy and warm her sleeping bag was, and how rhythmic the breathing of those around her was.

It was a quiet, comfortable environment, just perfect for resting.

But the moment she opens her eyes, she finds herself in the forest.

A blanket of greenery drapes over her waist. The trees around her have shrouded the moonlight above. It is completely dark all around.

She feels thirsty, so she follows the sound of water to a stream. She bends down to drink from it.

Nothing is out of the ordinary. Everything is exactly as it should be, even when she sees the reflection in the water.

Even if the reflection in the water is that of—

A musbeast.

*Squeak*

The night is dark, quiet, and full of terrors. Magallan instinctively senses danger. She quickly lies down and breezes through the bushes before climbing onto the tree marked with her secretions, the nest she calls home.

*Squeak*!

It is safe there. There, she will find her kin, her family. She stands on the tree branch and squeals, waiting for a reply.

Nothing.

She hesitates a little, but in the end hops onto the tree trunk and back into her nest.

There, her mother is fast asleep in the shadows.

She wants to snuggle up to her, to get through the night in her embrace, but once her eyes adjust to the darkness, she finds only a scattered pile of beast bones.

The nest is very wide and very dark, almost like there's something waiting for her.

Waiting for her to come home.

Waiting for her to lower her guard.

Waiting for her to be overwhelmed by fear.

Something climbs onto the back of her neck—

Mm... ugh...

The nightmare left Magallan feeling sick. She wants to walk out the door, catch her breath, and calm herself down before going back to sleep.

But the moment she steps outside, what she sees makes her doubt that she has actually awoken from her dream.

There is a large, shadowy entity roaming here.

It looks like a person, and also kind of like a tree. The large shadow is moving in a single direction at a slow yet steady pace.

The entity shrouds even the moon above, keeping the ground below out of the moonlight's reach.

What... is this?

I need to get a picture of it.

*Click*—

Th-That's not possible. It makes no sense!

In the photo she just took, the shadow was nowhere to be seen and the moonlight illuminates the ground. Everything looks perfectly normal.

But the shadow stills moves before her eyes.

Without a sound.

Magallan stands rooted to the spot.

She doesn't know if she should head back inside to sleep as if nothing had happened...

...Or go grab her equipment and measure this possibly unrecordable supernatural phenomenon as best she can.

Just as she finds herself lost in thought, the enormous shadow sweeps past her. She instinctively jumps back, and at the same time—

Something climbs onto the back of her neck—

What are you doing out here?

Ah!

*sigh* Relax, Magallan. Calm down. I'm here. Nothing here is going to hurt you.

Huff... Haah... Phew...

Don't try talk yet. Calm down first.

Mmm...

Have a seat, and drink some water. It doesn't matter how big that guy is. It's just a shadow.

Huff... huff—

Feeling any better?

Mm, thanks. You almost scared me to death.

You're stronger than I expected. I was looking forward to you screaming loud enough to wake everyone up.

Are they going to kick me out of the village tonight, then?

No, no. The Sami aren't that narrow-minded.

...Had a nightmare?

Mhm.

Let me guess. One where a beastling cub goes home, finds its mother's bones, and then gets eaten?

Did you have the same dream?

Yep. Just this afternoon in your sleeping bag.

I'm sorry...

It's not your fault. It comes whenever I rest in a safe, relaxing environment.

Like an unwelcome friend.

This is one of the bad things about Sami. The cycle of hunt or be hunted never ends, even in your dreams.

And in dreams, most find themselves on the side of the hunted...

Then... can we become the hunters?

Wouldn't you rather be the rules themselves?

Is that even possible...?

Who knows?

Maybe it is.

Once we become more mature...

When we're no longer afraid of these big guys.

Magallan, why don't we try touching it?

Huh? Isn't that dangerous?

I thought you were an explorer? Why are you so afraid?

I only ever set out after I've planned for every possible contingency, but how am I supposed to prepare for <i>this</i>?!

S-Stop pulling—

Aghhh! We stepped on the tree!

It's not the main trunk. Stepping on it a little won't hurt.

Besides, no one's around to see.

Hup.

This is a great spot. Let's sit here.

A-Are you sure we're not too close?

How are we supposed to touch it from far away?

Are we... really going to touch it?

It's just a shadow. There's nothing to be scared of.

Or to exact, it's only a shadow for now. A very, very faint one.

Maybe one day it will grow into a more concrete threat, but we'll have grown too. We'll have even more tricks up our sleeves.

So when that time comes, maybe these things won't be so scary to us anymore.

Besides, I can sometimes hear a voice in that dream where we're preyed on.

'If something ever scares you, you should attack it without hesitation.'

'If you defeat it, you will have defeated fear. If you run from it, you will always be afraid.'

Come.

But...

Magallan uneasily looks at the curtain-like shadow before her.

The cruel and oppressive feeling she felt in her dream still haunts her mind.

Part of her tells her not to take the risk, but—

She slowly reaches her hand out.

Just like that. Slowly. It'll be fine.

I'll do it with you.

Typhon places her palm on the back of Magallan's hand and gently pushes it forward.

The moment they're met with a hint of resistance, she stops pushing forward, and instead reaches forward ahead of Magallan's hand.

She dips her hand into the shadow and pulls it back out. Then, she places it back on Magallan's hand.

See? Nothing to be afraid of.

Mm... I'll give it a try...

Magallan's hand inches forward bit by bit, until her fingertips are finally submerged in the shadow.

She thought she would feel a hint of cold, or perhaps that something would suck her in or chew on her fingers.

But there was nothing.

Nothing.

First, up to a joint. Then, a whole finger. Finally, her whole hand.

The shadow still moves, but aside from the change in the light, nothing happens at all.

Exactly as Typhon said.

It's just a shadow.

How is it? Just like I said, right?

You're right... There's nothing.

Hm... How did something like this happen in the first place...?

Still hung up on those scientific principles of yours?

Things don't just happen without rhyme or reason.

Mm-hm.

Then how come our mothers gave birth to you and me, and not to anybody else?

Based on your logic, isn't that something with no rhyme or reason?

W-Well, that's because...

It seems like you southerners really need to have a reason for everything.

But if you ask me, I think it's more important to be able to face the unknown at any time.

Even if I'm not prepared.

Don't you... get scared?

Do you? When you encounter a blizzard in the icefield, an avalanche in the mountains, or a pack of beasts when you're alone?

I do, yeah... but I still think I'll manage to survive somehow.

If you can manage to survive even when you're scared, you've already accomplished the most difficult thing there is.

And in that case, what else is there to be afraid of?

Even if the shadow in front of us were to suddenly turn into a real monster, you wouldn't be afraid, would you?

If it were something that actually exists, we could deal with it. This? This is just a shadow.

Everything that exists has a weak point.

You wait, observe, and survive until the moment you find that weakness, and then you attack. That's how hunters have always lived.

You're an explorer, so you're something like half a hunter. I'm sure you can handle these things, too.

Nothing stays the same forever. Maybe there will come a day when the things that once scared you are afraid of you instead.

Don't overthink it. We have to be on the road tomorrow.

Oh, right. Here.

Want a fruit before you go back to bed?

No thanks. Eating sugar before bed is how you get cavities.

Alright, up to you.

Good night.

Nighty-night, Typhon.

Magallan turns around and looks at the hovering shadow once more.

But for some reason, she doesn't think it represents fear and emptiness this time.

It feels more like a traveler who has lost his bearings and doesn't know where to go. Simply wandering the lands aimlessly.

Maybe, by the time the sun rises, it will have gone back home for a good night's sleep.

*Click*—

Magallan takes another picture. Just like before, there is nothing in the photograph.

She thinks a little, and adds a note on the picture.

'Mr. Lonesome.'

Finally, everything is quiet once more.

Only the wandering shadow is left to hover around alone.

Until daybreak.

It should almost be time.

I wonder what kind of ceremony this is.

Ooh, it's starting!

(Takes out her notebook) 'The Sami begin the ceremony by singing and dancing around their clan tree. Perhaps this is meant to be a farewell to the tree.'

Ten minutes later...

Hmm...

'The dance is very unique, but disorderly. Everyone dances on their own.'

'It's almost like a carnival.'

Thirty minutes later...

(Yawns)

Is Simone here yet?

Oh, she's right under the tree, talking to the shaman.

If you wanna look, I can lend you my binoculars.

No thanks. My eyes are enough to see her without your gadget.

What kind of ceremony is this, anyway? And how much longer will it take? If you hadn't come, I'd have fallen asleep by now.

I'm a Sami Sarkaz, not a Sami Elafia. I don't know much more than you.

As for how long it will take, that's hard to say. I've seen ceremonies that ended with just the shaman's nod, as well as gatherings that lasted all day and night.

But forget the ceremony. Take a look at this. I found it in the forest!

Is this... a snowball?

It's Amma's Affection, Magallan! This is Amma's Affection!

Amma? That means 'mother,' right?

Good memory.

As a southerner might put it, this is a mother's love.

It's the protection most sought after by the Sami. Among all of Sami's kindnesses, it's the purest and most sincere.

Here, take it Magallan. Put it in your pocket.

Didn't you just say all the Sami want this? You found it, so you should keep it. I can't take it.

I know its worth, but that's why I don't have the right to it.

Amma doesn't like granting protection to greedy people.

But you know nothing about her. Ignorance is also a kind of purity, and you have an honest soul. That's why you should have it.

Then... what should I do with it?

Forget about it, like you never received it in the first place.

Then I gotta give you something in return, too.

Hold on...

Here you go, Li'l Typhoon.

What did you just call me?

...Never mind. So what is this?

A flare. Just twist open the lid and pull the string, and it'll let out a ton of light and noise. You're a hunter; I'm sure can think of a use.

That does sound pretty useful. I'll try it out next time.

Huh? Magallan, they stopped dancing. Aren't you taking notes? Quick!

Huh? Oh! Okay!

(Pulls out notebook) 'After forty straight minutes of independent carnival, the ceremony has moved onto its next phase.'

'The shaman shows the tribesmen a woodcarving.'

'She says something impassioned.'

'Then, she raises her wooden staff, faces the clan tree, and sounds the horn. Then she starts murmuring something.'

'There is another shaman assisting her by her side, like she is singing an accompaniment.'

Typhon, can you help me out and figure out what they're saying?

Hmm...

I can't understand it.

The tone is familiar, but those are clearly not words you use in normal conversation.

(Jots notes) 'Some sort of ritualistic language.'

She's repeating a few short words over and over.

'Repeating...'

'Her emotions build up, and she keeps raising her voice—'

W-What's going on?

An earthquake? Typhon?! Where should we evacuate to?!

No... Magallan...

Look... The tree...

(In Sarkaz) My god.

Hmm...?

The tree's roots begin to emerge as it gradually lifts off the ground.

A thunderous sound rings through the forest and suppresses the shouts of everyone underneath.

Surrounded by other trees, it slowly rises into the air as its roots wring together into a bundle and form an unprecedented—in human terms—mobile structure.

Its leaves come falling down from the canopy, but the Sami are not shocked in the slightest. Instead, they appear very excited.

Indeed, what could be more encouraging than your tribe's ancestral tree lifting itself from the ground along with all the clan's history and memories?

(In Sami) Congratulations, Attendant. The ritual was a success.

(In Sami) I've always thought my ancestors' journey with the Tree was a mere tale.

(In Sami) Thank you, child of the Santalla Tree. Without your interpretation and assistance, this awakening ceremony would not have been successful.

(In Sami) The Tree has awakened, but It still awaits a direction and Its next steps from us. I must research our tribe register more.

(In Sami) With the Tree's enormous body out in the open, the disaster of the north is bound to notice it.

(In Sami) Their activity has been growing more and more frequent of late. You must pray for Sami to protect the Tree with you.

(In Sami) Yes. Yes, you are right.

(In Sami) Please make your way to the south with all haste and replant the Tree. Do not let yourselves get caught up in them.

(In Sami) Understood. Hm... The register says...

(In Sami) Well, then. My companions and I must take our leave. I pray that Sami will find you and your tribe a satisfactory destination, such that you need never relocate again.

(In Sami) Oh, are you leaving so soon?

(In Sami) You still have much to attend to. No need to see us off.

(In Sami) Then I wish you and your companions a safe and uneventful journey. Once again, I thank you kindly for your help, honored friend... Oh... I see... To make the Tree set out, I must first...

(In Sami) Farewell.

Report.

(Imitating the Ursus Messenger's voice) I have entered Sami as planned. Please advise on the positions of Liebafowl and the Black Mark. Over.

Hmph...

Simone, Simone!

Yeah, I'm back.

Is there something I can help you with?

It's time to go.

I'm sorry that took so long.

It's okay. Let's go.

Simone, you really need to explain to me what she said during the ritual. It's going to be real important to my research!

I'll tell you all about it on the way.

Sounds good.

What's the matter?

Nothing. I'll be done real quick!

*Click*—

Before she leaves, Magallan snaps a picture of the enormous tree standing in the forest.

For some reason, she feels that this gigantic being almost completely blocking the sun looks kind of familiar—

She doesn't think too much about it, and merely scribbles her immediate thoughts into her notebook.

Then, she follows the rest of the group and continue their journey to southern Sami.