Once the misunderstanding has been cleared, the El Search Party finally learns what happened in Rigomor.
Quest Completion Dialogue
阿塞拉：So... The El Search Party, you say? Nichel just gave me a full report. I would have never guessed you'd actually know, not only Winster, but Calonne and Deborah as well... I apologize for my rudeness earlier. You may stay here in Aurora however long you'd like. I will personally make sure you are safe within these walls.
伊芙：Thank you. May we call you Asella? First, we would like a brief account on what is happening right now.
露：You asked if we were with the Red Demon King earlier. Are they somehow involved in the current affairs?
阿塞拉：We've yet to find crucial evidence that they're together with Berthe, but we were on high-altert due to a recent report of their officer entering the central area. Appearances like your are hard to come by in these areas, which is why I suspected as such, Steel Queen.
露：Alright. But the White-Ghost Army? Hmph, how lazy of him. I can't believe he's using the same military structure build by Aegirp.
艾拉：Is Winster alright?
尼采：Winster was taken hostage by Berthe after you left for Elrios.
阿塞拉：But worry not. We confirmed his safety. He occasionally relays us information he gains through his communication device.
澄：I'm glad he's safe... But as hostage? He're really in a precarious situation.
爱莎：We should be extra careful. If berthe finds out we're back, Winster might end up in danger.
希尔：He's sending information even as a hostage? I don't know if that's brave or foolish. I assume you checked for the integrity of the information?
阿塞拉：Yes. He knew information that was only shared by a trusted few. But the biggest assurance was his knowledge of Aurora's location. If Berthe knew of our location, he would have already sent his army. He doesn't need a justifiable cause to send in an army...... because Berthe has the ground completely under his control. The message was definitely sent by an ally.
希尔：I see... an ally.
阿塞拉：Moving on, according to the information sent by Winster, the White-Ghost Army has been acting suspiciously for the past several days. That, along with the reports we've received from our agent in the White-Ghost Army, seems to suggest that the White-Ghost Army has found a way to find the soul fragments and begun a full-scale search.
萝丝：A way to find the soul fragments...? How did they find out?
阿塞拉：That, we do not know. But Winster warned us to cease all our activities, as the White-Ghost Army will be nearby.
尼采：It's... and uncharacteristically adamant response from him.
阿塞拉：We are following his suggestion for now. Since Rigomor has already been compromised, if they know the location of this place, they'll surely do everything they can to crush us.
艾索德：Yeah, I can definitely see that happening.
阿塞拉：Plus, if Aurora is discovered, it will be dangerous for Winster and Haivan as the hostages.
艾迪：(Is Haivan known as a hostage here?)
澄：Then... Is the soul fragment in this area already in Berthe's hands?
阿塞拉：No, The path to the soul fragment is heavily guarded. There's no report of anybody approaching the area.
艾因：I thought you ceased all activities under Mr. Dog's suggestion?
阿塞拉：That doesn't mean we'll just stand idle. The soul fragment is too important to leave unguarded. As long as we're not discovered, I don't see a problem.
爱莎：(Whoa... I'm not sure why, but her stubbornness reminds me of Haivan somehow.)
阿塞拉：We were going to continue searching for soul fragments as well, just in smaller numbers. It would have been easy to disguise ourselves as hunters, even if we were discovered.
艾索德：There's no need for that. We got the location.
娜薇：Here! Calonne and Furry told us.
阿塞拉：A map? Hm, mmhm... I see...! We were also aware of the vague location after years of searching, but as expected for those responsible for hiding this fragment! he location in this map is much more precise.
雷文：Then will you allow us to handle this?
阿塞拉：Sure. But this is not enough. Although the location is clearly marked in this map... The path shown in this map can't be used. It's too outdated.
艾拉：That's what Calonne told us. He said we'll have a hard time finding the soul fragment when we don't know the area that well.
阿塞拉：Yes. Earlier, I noticed you were walking without care, even though the ground can collapse at any moment, while leaving trails left and right.
Zero：Wha...? I though we were being really careful!
阿塞拉：Not careful enough. If you walk around like that, you'll end up being swallowed up by the land itself before you could even get a glimpse of the soul fragment. Huhu, unless you plan on making this your grave, it would be wise of you to accept more of our assistance. We will provide you with a guide.
尼采：I'll go.
阿塞拉：If you are willing...?
尼采：I was planning on doing so from the start. That's what Winster wanted me to do. El Search Party, I will lead you to the location of the soul fragment.
伊芙：We're glad to accept your help, Nichel.
阿塞拉：Steel Queen, I apologize for not being able to show you the proper courtesy you deserve due to the circumstances, while still asking you to lend us your assistance. While you are searching for the soul fragment, we will stay here, watching for the White-Ghost Army. We will have Nichel carry a communication device.
露：Alright. When do you think we should leave?
阿塞拉：Right now is fine.
露：Huhu, I like how you handle things efficiently. Alright then, we will prepare to depart.
阿塞拉：Then, I will inform Nichel the path to the soul fragment.
When they hear there are vicious monsters where the first soul fragment is located, the El Search Party move carefully.
Quest Acceptance Dialogue
尼采：I'll lead the way from here. It's dangerous around here due to vicious wild animals and cliffs covered by snow.
萝丝：You seem wery aware of this place. Is it because you've searched this area for so long looking for the soul fragment?
尼采：Mmhm. Not only that, we take note of the basic geography, creatures living in this area, and any monsters that could provide a threat since we never know who'd pass by.
艾丽希斯：That would be useful. Can you tell us what monsters are especially dangerous around here?
尼采：Around this area is the yeti's habitat. They're very vicious, so you must be careful. Plus... There are plenty of trap plants, so approach suspicious looking plants with caution.
萝丝：Yeti? What is a yeti?
尼采：Yetis are aggressive monsters covered in fur. They're quite intelligent, so it'll be troublesome if we end up encountering one. There are not that many of them, but... They have a habit of roaring to call their allies whenever they find other life forms that intrude on their territory.
Zero：Yikes... If that's no trouble, I don't know what is. I hope we managed to avoid them.
尼采：Agreed. Plus, we might encounter their new leader, which is worrisome.
伊芙：A leader of the yetis?
尼采：Mmhm. The previous leader was 'Meson'. We used to block this entire area because of his notoriety. But it's been a while since anyone's seen him. We suspect that he died or was defeated in a fight for dominance...
雷文：If he was replaced by another alpha, it means the current leader must be stronger than him.
尼采：Yeah. So we should be careful. Especially since if there was a new leader, we don't know much about him. Oh, we should turn this way here.
Quest Completion Dialogue
蕾娜：Nichel, I wanted to ask something, about what we heard in Aurora. It seems that the situation is different from what we know.
爱莎：Asella was talking as if Haivan is also a hostage, but we know that's not true. Was that information not delivered properly?
尼采：Well... not exactly. I told Asella everything I know. Asella was the one who decided to announce that Haivan is a hostage.
娜薇：Ehhh? Does that mean Asella lied?
艾迪：If it goes out that there's a traitor, the son of a leader at that, the situation could get out of hand in a second. Since there's no eyewitness, it makes sense that she'd want to keep it under wraps as the one in command.
尼采：You're not wrong... But that's not the only reason. The situation became quite... complicated after you left.
澄：You mean after we left for Elrios.
尼采：You know I've just returned after handling the situation in Rigomor, right? After you left, Rigomor was under tight surveillance under the White-Ghost Army.
萝丝：('Being monitored'... was it?)
蕾娜：Looks like you were under a lot of pressure. They didn't do anything to harm you guys, did they?
尼采：Thankfully, no. Plus, it didn't seem like those watching us were particularly enthusiastic about their job either. They kept Rigomor under watch for a while, then one day just retreated after telling us they'd 'allow us to live down here as long as we stay there'.
希尔：What? That's unexpected. I thought they were holding the whole village as their hostage. What changed their minds?
澄：Does Asella think Haivan was somehow involved behind the soldiers retreating?
尼采：... We have two reasons to suspect that way. First, the soldiers that left Rigomor were immediately placed to look for portals.
艾因：And they wouldn't have prioritized looking for portals unless they had someone who knew the location of the soul fragments like us.
雷文：And it was after Haivan joined the White-Ghost Army, that they began searching for the soul fragments, full-swing.
尼采：It think he secretly studied the relation between the soul fragment and the portal without us knowing. He might have figured out how to find the location of the soul fragments. Second, the White-Ghost Arm is still not aware of Aurora's existence.
希尔：They don't know of its existence? Not just the location? Are you sure?
尼采：'Yes. Because we have several Garens from Rigomor working as spied within White-Ghost Army. If they knew of Aurora, they would have started on singling out the spies, but there's no sign of that happening yet.
艾丽希斯：Haivan... Just what is he thinking?
尼采：That's why Asella thinks it's too early to judge. Thought it looks like he betrayed us... There are still signs that he hasn't... Not completely. Our leader, Winster was captured, and the location of Rigomor was revealed. I think she thought sharing uncertain information amongst the chaos might not be a good idea. If people think we'll be attacked at any moment, they may start to think that an all-out war is the only choice we have, despite our clear disadvantage.
艾拉：I understand. Because desperate time always calls for desperate measures.
尼采：If that happens, Asella would have a hard time handling the situation, and we won't be able to guarantee Winsters's safety.
艾迪：A worst case scenario.
艾索德：But even if you're not discovered yet, aren't you still in a delicate situation?
尼采：... Yeah.
蕾娜：Do you still trust Haivan?
尼采：... I don't know. I think... it's more like I want to trust him at this point. Because when I heard Asella's decision, I was glad there was still a place for him to return.
雷文：... We don't really know him. There's no doubt you know about Haivan much more than any of us. Just as you wish, Haivan might not be a traitor. However, no matter what reason he has, as long as he's under Berthe... We will have to face him as an enemy. You should decide now how you want to react when that happens, if you don't want to make a decison you'd regret at a spur of the moment.
尼采：I... trust him. We're basically family. Haivan always said the White-Ghost King shouldn't be the solution. He always insisted that we have to open a new era, instead of having the strongest always rule over us all. I doesn't make sense to me that someone like Haivan would follow Berthe.
When they hear a mysterious voice, Nichel and the El Search Party is on guard, yet still decide to follow the voice. However, Aisha and Add oppose vehemently, claiming it's a trap.
Quest Acceptance Dialogue
尼采：! Who's there?
伊芙：An enemy? Moby! Remy! Cover for us.
爱莎：... Hm? ...? I don't sense anything. What's wrong, Nichel?
尼采：Didn't you hear a voice?
艾因：Hm... I think you're the only one who heard a voice, Ms. Dog.
？？？：Cold... Barren land... Seeds do no sprout, and even the most fertile trees can only be used to fuel a burning fire. One by one, people learn that it is easier to take from others.
尼采：I... still hear it.
艾丽希斯：I don't hear anything. Maybe it's too faint for us? Rena, can you hear anything?
蕾娜：Not at all. I don't even sense a presence...
澄：Are you sure you hear a voice? Can you understand what it's saying?
尼采：Yeah, hold on... If god exists, why did god make us beasts that slander, plunder, and murder others.
艾丽希斯：... That's bleak.
爱莎：S, s, sc...
艾迪：S, stop fooling around! Saying something terrifying with such a straight face! It's not funny!
爱莎：Yeah! It's sc, scary!
艾迪：Are you sure you're not hallucinating? Maybe you were attacked without your knowledge?!
爱莎：That could be it. Maybe? No, that must be it! Why else would Nichel be the only one who's hearing voices? It almost sounds like a... a...
艾迪：Stop! Don't finish that sentence!
爱莎：Like a ghost...!
艾迪：Gaahh...! I told you not to finish that sentence! Did you have to do it? Huh? Did you just have to finish that sentence!!
艾索德：... Both of you, calm down.
艾拉：Yes, there's no reason to be afraid of ghosts. Ghosts are merely unfortunate souls who, due to unfulfilling or unfair circumstances in their past lives, failed to pass on and thus linger in this world.
爱莎：Gyaaaa!!
艾迪：That description makes it even more terrifying!
？？？：Is this the only life permitted to us? Life is too long to be tainted with the stench of blood... Thre must be another way. I searched for so long to find my answer.
澄：Is this...!
娜薇：Oh! Laby can hear it, too! Not sure who's saying it... But the voice sounds sad and heartbroken...
Zero：Though, I don't know why we can hear it all of a sudden.
蕾娜：The sound is moving further away in that direction. The direction we were headed towards.
艾索德：Let's follow it.
艾迪：No! Are you crazy?! What voice are you even talking about?
爱莎：Yeah! I don't hear anything! It has to be a trap!
艾索德：If that's a trap, that's more the reason you should come with us, because you're the only ones who didn't fall for it, right?
艾因：If it's a trap, or we've all fallen under a specll, you two are the only ones who can save us.
雷文：The direction of the voice is the direction we were headed to anyway. But... if you're scared, you two can stay here until we come back. Is that acceptable?
爱莎：... Just us two? Alone?
艾迪：...
澄：I'll cover your back, don't worry. Just follow their lead.
Quest Completion Dialogue
？？？：I didn't think everyone would just follow my lead when I argued for this never-ending war to stop. But... when even my most trusted claimed that my dreams were like a mirage, my heart ached ever more.
露：This sounds familiar.
希尔：Is that where the voice is coming from? That foggy thing over there.
澄：I think so. I don't think it was visible earlier. It seems like it's becoming clearer by the moment.
爱莎：Oh! Maybe it's like the spirit we saw in Varnimyr? Like, they have unique abilities that only allow certain people to see or hear them!
蕾娜：That thought crossed my mind too, so I was observing it carefully, but I don't think they're like that.
爱莎：Uuuuh...
Calonne:Lord Aegirp, I may be too forward in saying this, but I don't think you understand the fear we carry every day.
？？？：(I will not fault your flaw. However, your words caused resentment to swell within me. You do not understand that it is I, who understand that fear the most.) We did not walk the same path. They were just seeking the safety that came from staying under my shadow. I was powerful. As such, those with me could secure a semblance of safety. This never-ending war... For those who had to hunt today to eat tomorrow, a better future was an unrealistic dream. You must move forward to escape this horrid life. But hunger and fear drag your feet. A dreadful irony. I was starting to feel helpless. Are we fated to fight in an endless, barbaric cycle until we fade away? But I still had faith. I had faith that this barbaric form we hold when we are cold, hungry, threatened, and scared, does not reflect our true form.... Then one day, the Demon King appeared before me.
露：Now I see why it sounded so familiar. This is Aegirp's memory.
萝丝：The White-Ghost King's?
露：Yes. Don't worry, it's not a ghost. I believe we are witnessing her memory due to our close proximity to the soul fragment.
艾迪：Ha! So it was nothing! Is that it? I see it now.
萝丝：Everyone is able to perceive it at different times. Do you think it's due to some kind of device protecting the soul?
艾因：It could be magic that prevents cowards from seeing it.
娜薇：Calonne said only those worthy can take the soul. Do you think that's why?
艾因：I'm not sure. Let's continue following it for now.
White-Ghost King's Soul:The Demon King told me, 'Join me, and I will end the tragic cycle of hatred and pillage your kind inflict upon each other.' I thought you didn't play fair. I wonder if you knew I would be unable to refuse you with such an offer...? Of course I followed your lead, with hopes to open a new era by your side. But... when you disappeared, everything crumbled. I didn't know what to think. Did something happen? Did you have a reason to hid away? ... Or perhaps... You never intended to keep your promise.
尼采：If I may ask, what was the Demon King like? Nobody every told me anything about the Demon King.
露：That's to be expected. It's a long time ago... Not many would remember. The Demon King... was someone who appeared out of nowhere when the Demon Realm was under chaos. With power and charisma, the Demon King unified the Demon Realm that was divided into many factions and created structure.
娜薇：Fac.... tion?
雷文：So there weren't any kingdoms or countries like Elrios?
露：There were those who called themselves kings, but that was it. It was a time of anarchy.
艾拉：Barbaric life... A lawless time...
露：Precisely. The Demon King defeated the strongest leaders one by one, taking those deemed useful along the way, until the entire Demon Realm was conquered. Afer that, the Demon Realm was divided into four, with each land given to the four lords, and then, the Demon King disappeared without a trace.
艾丽希斯：The White-Ghost King mentioned the disappearance as well. Is that the last that anyone saw of the Demon King?
露：Yes, nobody even knows if the Demon King is dead or alive. There's really no way for us to tell. Even now, I don't really understand why the Demon King wanted to unite the Demon Realm.
Zero：How mysterious...
娜薇：What about you, Lu? Did the Demon King promise you something, too?
露：... Yes. We also had an agreement.
希尔：... Lu.
露：Huhu, let's go now. The soul is moving further away.
The memory shown by the White-Ghost King's soul leaves many questions for the El Search Party.
Quest Acceptance Dialogue
White-Ghost King's Soul:The Demon King's disappearance was just the beginning of the problem. From then on, the earth became more barren, and the temperature dropped even further, forcing many to leave their homes to move east. The unbearable climate change and the lack of food and resources led to mass exodus, causing an even bigger rift between the two races within my territory. This was no time to worry about the whereabouts of the Demon King. I was the ruler of my land, and I had to find a solution.
露：I remember. When the Demon King disappeared, so many things changed...
White-Ghost King's Soul:While I was searching for a way to fix the resource problem with my subordinates, I found a strange device between the cliffs in the Deep-Sea.
伊芙：Cliffs in the Deep-Sea... Does she mean the laboratory in Rigomor?
希尔：So she happened to come across the portal when she was suffering from a shortage of resources, and began trading with Northern Empire?
艾拉：But how was it possible? Even back then, it couldn't have been easy for demons to start trade with those from Elrios.
White-Ghost King's Soul:The result of our investigation was interesting. The device allowed us to teleport instantly, no matter the distance, as long as we had sufficient energy. I activated the device, as if I was led to do so my a divine power, and soon, a strange new world presented itself to me. We were no longer in the Demon Realm! We have stepped our foot in Elrios. We began investigating, preparing for a fight that could happen at any moment. Surprisingly, they didn't attack us, nor were they hostile toward us. In fact, they welcomed us and treated us well. Everything was... groundbreaking. Was the hostility we held for Elrios one-sided? Did they not see us as enemies? ... I have yet to learn of the whereabouts of the Demon King. But this, this gave me hope that my long standing dream could finally come true.
尼采：I... heard this story before. But, it was more... glorified.
艾索德：Glorified? How so?
尼采：Something like, when everything started to go downhill, the White-Ghost King rose with dignity, and single-handedly saved the people. It's... quite different from her perspective. She seems... burdened... from responsibilities. She always sounded like the perfect ruler from the way the elders portrayed her.... Like she was born to be a ruler.
澄：It couldn't have been easy. Even when Hamel faced unforeseen problems, my father never betrayed his feelings to those under his command. He believed that if those in command falters, those who follow would also falter. He seemed undaunted. Even though inside, he was the one that was most conflicted when the people of Hamel were in pain...
蕾娜：I suppose the story Nichel heard of the White-Ghost King, was a side she portrayed as the leader of her people.
Whhhoooossssh...
希尔：Look, there's white smoke rising. That must be the White-Ghost King's...
Meson:Grrrrrrr...
希尔：The White-Ghost King's... What is that?
尼采：That's Meson...! I thought he was dead! If he was alive all this time, why did he hide himself away?
艾因：I can see why. From the looks of it, it seems he was staying low to absorb all the energy that's leaking from the soul fragment.
Meson:ROOOAAAR!
露：Give up. That soul belongs to someone else.
Quest Completion Dialogue
爱莎：We should be able to retrieve the soul fragment now.
Zero：I think that yeti was here because he wanted to monopolize the soul fragment.
蕾娜：It must have been desirable with how much it amplifies power.
艾迪：Idiot. Well, we won't be seeing him again.
White-Ghost King's Soul:......
尼采：...? Here, your highness.
露：Thank you. But why don't you keep it? It seemed to gravitate towards you.
尼采：I think that's because I was standing nearby. Since Winster entrusted this to you, you should keep it. We trust you.
蕾娜：You know, I'm kind of curious. Why do you think the people of Northern Empire welcomed the White-Ghost King? Maybe they weren't aware they were demons?
艾丽希斯：Even so, they would have looked different. It is strange that they were welcomed so readily.
艾索德：Maybe they thought they were like, phorus or something?
爱莎：A phoru? Really?
艾拉：Huhu, maybe there's some truth to it. Northern Empire treasured holy beasts and believed them to be good luck. They might have through the White-Ghost King was a powerful holy beast, rather than a demon.
艾索德：See?
爱莎：Heh! You just got lucky! Besides, I still think a phoru is stretching it.
希尔：In any case, now we have a soul fragment, and learned how she came to trade with Northern Empire. Everything worked out unexpectedly.
澄：Since we've arrived in the Demon Realm, my impression of demons keep changing.
艾迪：I just want to know what that device was. The Demons from Rigomor also said they 'found' the portal... But we still don't know who put the device there, why, or even what the device is for.
艾丽希斯：Hm... Maybe we'll find out when we find the other fragments. Let's rest here, then head for the next soul fragment.
Eun:.......
艾拉：It seems the White-Ghost King was very careful in Elrios. She had an amicable relationship with the people, and likely wished to keep it that way to gain what she wanted.
Eun:I know what you are trying to say. It looks unlikely that the White-Ghost King, who was focused on trading with the people of Northern Empire, tried to harm the holy spirits of Elrios.
艾拉：Eun... Do you remember anything about the White-Ghost King?
尼采：Oh? Are there still remains of the soul fragment here?
艾拉：N, no! I was just talking to Eun.
尼采：Eun?
艾拉：Oh! You won't be able to see her even if you look around like that. Eun is a fox spirit who travels with me in spirit form. She always lends me strength and wisdom.
尼采：In spirit form...? Hm...
艾拉：Ah... I understand it's hard to believe. It probably sounds like I'm just spinning wild tales.
尼采：Oh, sorry. I wasn't trying to give you that impression. It's just, I was thinking... That's kind of like possession, right? If two souls could exist in one body, I thought, it might have been better for the White-Ghost King to possess one of her most trusted followers instead of splitting up her soul.
艾拉：Oh...? That's a possibility.
尼采：Ah, don't take me too seriously. It's not like I'm an expert on souls. There's probably a reason why the White-Ghost King didn't use that method.
艾拉：True. While Eun and I were together for a while now and trust each other implicitly, it might not always work out this way.
尼采：Yeah. It's hard to even imagine.... Oh, we just went off on a tangent. I was just about to report to Asella that we retrieved the soul fragment, and was making sure there weren't any more remaining in this area.
艾拉：I see. That conversation I had with Eun was on a different topic altogether. Don't mind us.
爱莎：Phew. I'm glad that was just a soul fragment. If it actually were a ghost, I would have wanted to go back to Elrios.
艾丽希斯：Haha. I'm glad you've settled down.
艾因：The next soul fragment could work similarly. Won't it be unfortunate if you get scared every time?
爱莎：Ugh... Do we have to see that again...?
Zero：Uh... so, how did the soul fragment show us memories? Is that something demons can do?
露：It has nothing to do with being a demon. It's actually Aegirp's innate ability. A unique ability, just like my ability to form a spiritual contract with Ciel, or Stirbargen's ability to shift forms.
雷文：Is that so? There were demons that controlled souls or revived the dead in Feita and Velder, so I thought it was quite common amongst demons.
露：Huhu, of course, there are those with the ability to control souls, but there's are nothing compared to Aegirp's. The reason why we were able to listen to Aegirp's old memories is probably related to her ability somehow.
艾因：I only heard the voice after Ms. Dog mentioned it. I didn't hear anything before that.
艾索德：Me too. But how come Add and Aisha didn't hear the voice earlier? They were crying that they didn't want to hear anything, only to hear it the moment Lu told them it was the soul fragment of the White-Ghost King.
艾迪：I did not cry!
澄：Maybe there's some kind of magic, that allows you to sense the presence only after you've acknowledged its existence?
露：I can't say for sure. Whatever the case may be, it will help us immensely in finding the soul fragments as long as we're guided like this.
Help from Aurora
