level_act27side_05_beg

Why study volcanoes?

Because, I hope to play a guitar at the highest spot on Siesta one day. It doesn't have to be at the Obsidian Festival, and preferably at the top of a volcano.

'Volcano Sonatas', that's what I'm planning to call my first album.

I can't wake the volcano up? Ahaha... maybe I should call it 'Volcano Lullabies' instead.

Volcanoes sleep like a log, so I don't think you'll be able to wake it up that easily.

Have you heard of this, about a kind of stone you can find on a volcano?

When the wind blows it away, it makes a sound like beans falling into a bowl.

And if you soak it in water, bubbles fizz like a complex drumline.

Of course it's real. If I find such a stone on a volcano, I'll bring one back to show it to you.

The doctor's been here. How are you feeling today?

An old man lies on the hospital bed, his head tilted sideways as he looks out the window.

Not so bad, if you hadn't come here to specifically remind me that I'm stuck in bed this summer. And a hospital bed should be more comfortable than an office chair.

Thanks for sparing the energy to tease me, but my butt hasn't known the touch of a chair for the past few days.

Perhaps we should switch places.

The old man turns to look at his grandson standing beside the bed.

So, my boy, why have you come to see me today?

There's a letter of intent for relocation, that I hope you can sign.

The city hall staffer whispers the words, as if admitting a mistake.

A tired and bitter silence follows.

It seems like this renovation plan is just so urgent that it can't even wait until I kick the bucket, huh?

That's not it...

I just thought you should know about it. Of course, I'd rather get your consent.

If you want to convince me, you should have at least brought Tysha along to visit.

She's at work right now...

Everything you do is to make a living, right? I really don't get why a girl like that would marry a boring man like you.

Let's just say I've inherited your talent for making girls happy.

Hmph...

The hospital ward is quiet, except for the faint sound of fruit being peeled.

Work must have been tough these last few days.

I've been having nothing but bizarre dreams lately. But after some thinking, I figured I haven't offended anyone, so my guess is that you've been chewed out by a whole lot of people.

Clever old man, you know my job so well.

Well, what's your take? Are you really willing to let this shopping street get demolished, and see the last traces of Old Siesta disappear?

I...

Costa, there's a guitar in the cabinet behind you. Take it out and play a song for me.

No thanks... you know that won't work...

The old man speaks no more, and turns his head away toward the window.

I know that Mockingbird Café has been in Siesta longer than the city hall. Many of the shops on that street chose to stay when we moved from the volcano.

But there are too many factors at play that make our life difficult, and the volcano doesn't even make the list.

Coffee and music can only keep people alive at certain times. If I hadn't lucked out and gotten this job at city hall, your medical bills would be too big a burden on the family.

I'm not complaining, it's just—

Alright, hand me a pen.

You're such a brat, Costa. I hate that about you.

Maybe I should have tossed you into the sea back when you were mixing your drip coffee with sparkling water.

Thank you very much for not doing that... I do like that about you.

You want to rent my hotel?

And make a little modification to the hot springs, with your permission of course—price is negotiable.

I'm not interested in money. It's all the same, not a shred of beauty!

Well, money isn't the only bargaining chip. I definitely have something here that you'll be very interested in.

Like this, for example?

This photo... is that a piece of exhibit-grade obsidian?!

So how about renting these few hot spring hotels of yours to me for a few days, and I'll move this piece of obsidian over?

Don't play around with me, this is from some private museum's precious collection, how could you—

Wait, you...?

Uh-huh.

You'll keep your word?

Words hold no proof, so let's sign a contract, shall we?

Snowsant, can you do some research to check if my plan is feasible?

It's probably... doable...

Good, that means it is! I'll trust your judgement.

No, no, no...! I'm not certain, I'll need some tools and materials... and a bit of... no, a lot of time!

Ga yau! I'll move on to the next step.

Since we've decided to focus on making the residents of this street welcome our redevelopment, we'll have to make sure it's perfect.

We can't waste this chance, with all the tourists drawn in by Bison's ads for his trade fair...

(No, not here...)

('Data Model for Volcanic Eruptions' is definitely not in the files Professor Magna left for Adele.)

(But why does Keller have this notebook with her...?)

Good work today. Cup of coffee?

Ah, no thanks, I'm not a coffee person... is Adele here today?

Today isn't a work day, so what are <i>you</i> doing here?

Do you need these old documents for your work over at city hall?

Keller, why on Terra did you invite Adele here?

I believe I made it quite clear before. The research in this museum is related to the Naumanns, and the imminent eruption of Siesta's volcano is a rare observation opportunity.

Adele is their child, and also an excellent volcanologist, so it is only right I extend an invitation to her.

Only now, after so many years with zero contact?

You didn't attend the Naumanns' funeral after the incident at Mount Unna. You vanished without a trace from academic circles, and stopped your teaching work at the school a year ago.

Just what have you been up to these last few years? What are you running from?

As you can see, the only thing I've done these past few years is organize all the volcanic research materials that now sit in this very museum.

Kahn, everyone has their limits. I no longer have any energy to do volcano field work. I'm preparing to retire after the museum is finished, and I've observed Mount Siesta's eruption.

What... retire? Why would you even consider 'retirement' at all?

The Naumanns left all their unpublished research data to you and Adele, enough to make your mark on the academic world, and yet now you're saying you want to retire?

Or could it be that you've already placed a price tag on that data behind closed doors and gained something even better in exchange?

Kahn, I don't know what you're—

Professor Keller, are you in here?

...Keller.

Whatever your plans, I hope you'll consider the Naumanns before making any decisions.

Adele is their only child, and the only hope they've left behind. She's already contracted Oripathy, and her condition isn't the best either...

...I just hope she can be happy and free.

Professor Keller?

...I'm in here, Adele. Come in!

Professor Keller, I found the exhibit, and already put it back in the display cabinet.

Alright... good work.

Professor, what's wrong?

...Nothing much.

Where did you find the exhibit?

It was with a beckbeast that sneaked into the museum...

How strange...

Alright, if there's nothing else, you can—

Professor Keller, there's something else I wanted to mention! I met a shopkeeper on the street, and he asked me to return this book to you.

A shopkeeper in the commercial street?

Bang!

I can taste the fatigue in the air, so painfully bitter and sickeningly sour. Just who is it coming from?

Mr. Dolly! You scared me... why are you here?

I just saw a beautiful streak of blue across the city. Want to go to a hot spring?

Mr. Dolly, I still have some research to do...

No, no, no. 'Research', such a bitter word it makes you all wrinkly. The volcano is right there, and the material won't disappear either, so you can always come back to continue your research anytime, but—

Dolly lightly tips his toes and spins in mid-air, in what looks to be a somewhat comical dance.

Some things are so fleeting that you'll never get a second chance to see if you miss it.

For example—

Eyja—finally found you!

Let's go. Want to visit the hot springs together?

Hot springs?

I don't have the ability to control people's hearts, by the way.

But...

But what? Didn't bring a swimsuit? That's fine, I have some over there!

Besides us two, Snowsant will be there too, and we'll also call Ceylon in a bit. I even bought some of the latest facial cream—they say there's volcanic ash inside.

Plus, I have an important thing to ask of you, and you're the only one who can do it!

Is this... the latest record player on the Columbian market? I didn't think I would be able to see one in Siesta...! I've been paying close attention, they only started selling these just a few days ago!

But these are the leftover stock, you already missed the first wave...

You don't know this, but there was a super long line here this morning. The limited editions with Emperor's signature even come with a copy of his latest album, and that sold out forever ago!

EMPEROR'S LATEST ALBUM?! Isn't that dropping next week? Is this what they call an early access batch? Who could even pull this off?!

It's not just Emperor's album either! There's also signed copies of Miss Sora's album, a Kazimierzian Radiant Knight helmet model replica, and 'Czerny's Klavier Kollektion'! ...Wait, what's this?

Huh, to think I'd find one of our Sargonian Crabbie Pumpies here... but what use does it even have here in Siesta?

Who cares, it's cute and that's all that matters! Did you miss the line of people queueing up to buy them?

Whoa, they even got dates here!

Dates?

Excuse me, Mr. Sargonian.

Byrd casually strums a Sargon style ditty.

Can you tell me a story of plucking dates in the hot and dry breeze?

This are instruments imported from Leithanien, and I have to say, those Leithanians sure are stellar at any music-related stuff. You can try if you like, and if you don't know how to play one, I can teach you a little too!

The piece I just played? I performed it when me and my wife confessed our feelings to each other, hehe. If you fancy learning it, I have a sheet here that you can have!

The best snacks around here, you ask? See that bearded old man on the left? His ice cream is the best!

Slowly now, take it easy. Strawberry for you, orange for you, yours is coffee, and what else? Coconut with chocolate? Oww... No need to rush, we have plenty here...

Mister, give me a tea flavored one.

Sure, coming right up!

Thank you.

I'll send this to Schwarz too... it'll will make her drool.

Dr. Ceylon! You here for the trade fair too?

Stopped by for a stroll since I happened to have some time today.

Enis, you good lad! Thanks again for fixing the cash register this morning, things would've been so hectic otherwise.

It's nothing, just helping out is all! How's business?

So good I almost thought I was back in the old Siesta.

But why haven't I seen that Costa fellow anywhere today? He spent the whole day running all over the place for this, and now that everything is in motion, that man is nowhere to be found.

Maybe there's other work to do at city hall today...

That rascal. Doesn't even know how to ditch work...

Boss, gimme a cone!

Coming!

Feel free to come try our cocktails over at the White Volcano too!

...You brat!

Haha!

Enis leans against the soda fountain, watching the surrounding people come and go.

Did you see my little siblings earlier?

It's their first time in such a bustling place. They kept clamoring for some volcano coffee or something on our way here, but as soon as I handed them a little pocket money, they were gone in a flash.

Pfft.

Though, I don't think I've spotted any kids here...

The little runts aren't here. If you want to find them, you have to over to east street!

They say there's a new amusement park over there or something, and my own brat even told me over breakfast he'd help me look after the store. Hmph, I haven't heard from him ever since he learned about the place!

An amusement park?

Can I open my eyes now, Miss Swire? Also, what was the important thing you were mentioning earlier?

Did some of those secretly mined obsidian appear in this hotel too? Or do you need a nominal volcanologist for your work? Or...?

Neither!

No volcanoes here, and no data either. Only a comforting hot spring, so now you just have to get into some pretty clothes, and then—

Alright, you can open your eyes now!

Wow... there's so many tourists!

What happened here? Wasn't it just a hot spring before?

It's so lively, just like Siesta a few years back...

A few tourists erupt into cheering, and Adele recovers from her surprise.

There's so many kayaks and water installations here, Miss Swire, are these your...?

Yup, this is the waterpark I'm setting up for the commercial street!

Wow... did you do all of this by yourself?

Not by myself, of course. I provided the plans, but we have our Chief Genius Engineer from Lungmen to thank for making this a reality, Snowsant!

Um! Miss, Miss Swire... that title is a bit too much...!

Hmm~? Really now?

Yan's number one, <i>Terra's</i> number one Genius Engineer?

Ahhh—!!

Wait, Snowsant! Don't run around like that, be careful!

Ohhhh—!!

It—It's flying—!!

How did you do that? How are these surf kayaks actually flying straight from one hot spring channel to the other?

Um, actually, it's not as complicated as it looks, we just needed to add a pneumatic ejection device on the waterways, so once the kayak reaches this spot, it'll trigger the mechanism, and then it'll—

Yay! I can fly!

Mama——!!

Um, there aren't any guardrails on the waterways, so I'm a little worried about—

I redesigned the kayaks according to Swire's plan, and they come equipped with a comprehensive emergency cushioning system.

It's also the second way you can play with these, as bumper kayaks! They can freely collide on the waterways, and the cushioning system will absorb all the impact force, using it to power the kayaks' water guns that spray water forward.

I didn't mention it to the tourists, but many of them seem to have already mastered this secret.

Look, over there—

Ah—Ahh—!

Along with a shriek, a kayak spins in the waterway, seemingly about to fall off the channel.

The airbags at the kayak's edge quickly inflate, wrapping up the passengers. But as the kayak drops, its trajectory is interrupted suddenly, as if there is a transparent barrier in the air.

Water splashes onto the ground, the completely wrapped kayak sways and falls downward.

Hey—! You alright? Anyone hurt?

I'll go take a look first, Eyja. Just wait here a second!

Tourists surround the fallen kayak, but there is only giggling bubbling from the center.

With a puff of the bulging air cushions, two children emerge from within.

Hmph! It's all your fault for moving around so much!

We didn't catch the little lamb, and our 'Siestan Adventure' is ruined!

Nuh-uh, it's not my fault the lamb ran so fast!

Lamb?

I don't see them here either... it must be tiring taking care of your younger siblings, yes? Children of that age love to play around and make so much noise.

*sigh* Thanks for the concern, but it's fine this way too. They're having fun at least.

You have a lot to worry about, as an older brother.

Now that I think back on some past incidents... pfft. I think like a friend might feel the same sometimes.

Do you have an older sibling, Dr. Ceylon? I've never heard—

It's your fault! All your fault!

Hey! You brats! Where did you run off to?

Enis!

It's Enis!

We sat on a big air cushion boat, and chased a fluffy little lamb!

What are you talking about? What lamb...?

A fluffy little lamb that lifted our boat up with its head to play with it like a ball!

When we catch it, we gotta make it sit in our boat!

Enis, over there! The lamb is back!

Where?

Look up!

Wait, these...

Our surfboards... why are they flying in the sky?!

Surfboards and swim rings.

They use the hot spring steam to leap into the air, jumping over Fashion Street and into the sky, beyond the tourists' view.

Everyone's eyes are glued to the objects swirling around as if living creatures.

And Adele sees something slightly different than the others.

The surfboards cruising across the sky have sheep standing on them.

They don't seem content with just racing the waterways—

Hot water, vapor, colorful surfboards and swim rings. The sheep sweep them all up, and together they pour into the hustle and bustle of Fashion Street.

(This is bad...! Dolly said he would teach them a lesson, was he lying to me?)

(Oh no, they're splashing the hot spring water everywhere!)

Snowsant, did you design a flying surfboard behind my back because I rejected your idea for an observation wheel suspended above the hot spring?

N-No...?

Didn't you arrange this, Miss Swire?

No... it wasn't me either.

The two look at each other, and then hesitantly turn their gazes toward Adele, who has been standing to the side the whole time.

Adele...

You...

What?

No, no, no! It's not me either!

Odd. Could it be Bison then?

Yoohoo—! Little lamb, fluffy little lamb!

The lamb is flying!

I'll go look!

Whoa—Eyja, Snowsant!

The surfboards are really flying! Whatever, let's get on those things!

Who's in charge here? Quick, someone should mass-produce these surfboards!

Woohoo!

*sigh* Mr. Dolly...

Is this the hot spring you were talking about...?