After the Istoria guild completed a few of Kvasir's requests, they met a damsel in distress, Birgitta! However, after saving Birgitta, they found out her companion, Laika, is missing. So now, they are on a journey to find the missing doggo Laika.
Istoria guild’s search took them through the bushes and deposited them into a clearing. An expanse of what seemed to be ancient ruins lies ahead.
What? There are ruins here…? I never would have guessed…
Hmm… Given that we are on the most eastern island here, I’m going to call it Eastern Shrine.
(This island is supposedly uninhabited. Why then, are there ruins here? )
Ophelia kept that question in her mind as she pressed forward, continuing their search for Laika.
As the guild proceeded through the unexplored forest, they discovered a small open area. They looked around the area, but Laika is nowhere to be seen.
Laika, where are you?
Birgitta scanned the area, a deep-set worry in her eyes.
Don’t worry, we promised we’ll find her for you.
Yes, but you feel it too right?
Yeah, we should be careful. Who knows what lives here.
Don’t worry Syra. We always prevail!
I hope so…
That said, I see 5 gates here, which one should we take?
Let’s go straight!
I think it’s better to take the first gate on the right, so that we know exactly which gate we’ve been through.
Why not the first gate on the left?
That works too. I’m fine with either. What do you think Felia?
Let’s take the first gate on the right. It was a long time ago, but Lyia taught me about the right hand rule, where if we always follow the wall on the right, it’ll eventually lead us to the exit.
That doesn’t always apply though.
Worth trying at the very least. Let’s go with the first gate on the right.
With that, the guild continued on through the ruins. However, it wasn’t long until they ran into their first intersection.
Right I assume?
Right.
However, soon they found a pair of Muscle Flies.
Frontline: 
Backline: N/A
On your guard! Birgitta take cover! We’ll take care of this!
Y…Yes!
Now we are talking!
Luckily for them, the flies didn’t notice them, so the guild was able to get the first strike. They used the same strategy they used earlier to defeat the muscle flies except Kaga didn’t try to arm bind and Ophelia didn’t try to defend due to the pre-emptive strike. In one turn, the guild managed to kill the first fly, and took the second fly down to half hp.
Chya!
I kinda feel sorry for them…
Now that the fly have recollected itself for combat, Ophelia casted Front Guard to protect rest of the team. This turned out to be a good call because the fly managed to punch Pokachi before finally being finished off by the rest of the guild.
Syra! It punched me. It hurts!
There there, I’ll heal your wounds.
U… Um… I’m a medic, I can patch you guys up.
Really? We’d really appreciate that.
No no… It’s the least I can do.
Thank you Birgitta.
Yay! You are awesome Birgitta.
Birgitta spend a little bit of time to bandage Pokachi and also did a double check to make sure everyone is in good shape after that fight. Nana recorded the creature in the codex, and Kaga did her usual of carving the rewards.
Well dang, color me impressed.
Indeed, this is much better job than my War Heal. Though I don’t suppose this is very viable during combat due to how long it takes.
Nice job! And thank you.
Yeah! Thanks a bunch! I don’t feel any pain from that punch at all now!
You call yourself a novice, but you are pretty good medic I’d say.
N…Not at all… Thank you guys…
Alright then. Let’s continue.
Soon, they ran into another intersection. Birgitta looked over the empty-handed guild and gathered the courage to asked them a question.
Um… I’m sorry to bother you, but are you okay without a map?
Of course! We have Syra, she remembers everything!
Yes, but we should map it out properly. So that when others visit this place, they don’t have to explore it again.
That’s true, we should get a map.
Sure, but where can we get a map now? We are in the middle of nowhere.
U… Um, if you want, you can use this one…
Birgitta offered the guild the map in her hand. She had already drew in all the places the guild went through so far.
Huh? what is this? I don’t get it.
Hmm…
Nice map! That’s the gate we passed earlier right?
Y…Yes…
This would prove to be very useful for other adventurers if we can map out this ruin.
True, but are you sure you are going to give us this map?
I have a back-up map for myself…
In that case, thank you Birgitta. Nana, would you be able to draw the map?
Of course! You know I love to record everything.
After Nana took the map into her hands, Birgitta gestured towards it and asked Nana another question.
U… Um. I’m sorry to keep bothering you, but… Would you like me to teach you how to draw a map?
Hmm… Sure, why not?
Okay! Let’s see…
Birgitta seemed happy after Nana accepted her request to teach Nana on how to draw a map. The two of them spend a little bit of time going over how to draw a map while others rested.
Okay. I think I got the gist of it. Let’s continue exploring now.
Okay!
Okay, then let’s move out.
But which way?
South!
(Hmm… With a map in hand, we shouldn’t need to follow the right hand rule anymore, as long as we track exactly where we are at, we won’t be lost)
Okay, let’s go south!
Ophelia nodded to Birgitta and proceeded forward. Rest followed with map in hand. It didn’t take long for them to reach an open room with 2 big containers in it.
Could those be…
Treasures!
W…Woah…
Jackpot! Those containers look pretty big as well.
After making sure there is nothing else in the room, Pokachi opened the chests. In it, they found an “Analysis Scope” and a “Nectar”.
Could be better, but I’m not complaining.
Nectars are really useful, we only have one from completing the request, so this second one is a godsend.
What do they do again?
Nectars can bring those who are incapacitated back to life.
U… Um… Nectars are made from Culantro, but the expedition haven’t found a source to gather them reliably yet, so please use them with care.
Woah…
And Analysis Scope allows us to identify enemy weakness. Though I don’t think it’s of much use, we should be able to sell it to Napier for some good money at least.
That works for me!
Although the treasures were welcoming, the room itself is a dead end, so the guild had to return. After they returned to the last intersection, they picked the western path this time. However, this route also led to an dead end, as they were about to turn back, Birgitta spotted a small hole on the dead-end wall. Though the hole is quite cramped, someone with a small frame should be able to crawl through.
D… Do you think this could be where Laika went?
With a worried expression on her face, Birgitta crouched and peeked through the hole, but has difficulty seeing anything in the dark. Her look shifted to one of determination shortly.
I’m going in to take a look.
Wait Birgitta. This place is getting more and more dangerous. Who knows what’s in there.
But Laika might be in there!
That’s why I’m saying one of us should go in instead.
Eh?
I agree! We are better suited for this job. We will be able to defend ourselves better in there.
But…
No buts! This hole look just small enough for me to go in!
Alright Poka, please check if Laika is in it or not. We’ll stand guard for you.
Sure thing!
T..Thank you guys.
It’s what friends are for.
Besides, we are relying on you to patch us up when we get ourselves in trouble.
Alright! I’m going in!
Pokachi peeked and crawled into the hole… But after a moment, Pokachi hollered out to the party and scurried out of the hole. Monsters then emerged from the hole, chasing Pokachi! However, rest of the guild instantly steeled themselves after Pokachi’s yell. With weapons primed, they were all set for a pre-emptive strike!
Frontline: Backline:
Thanks for the warning Poka! Now, strike them before they are ready!
You got it!
My incantation is already done!
Because of the pre-emptive strike, Nana was able to severely damage the 2 flies in the front with her Fire Star. Pokachi then paralyzed the second one with her Paralyzing Reap. Kaga too, was able to Arm Snipe the fly in the backline successfully. Ophelia and Syra then managed to finished the first fly!
Nicely done!
Let’s see… we have a fly in the front paralyzed and a fly in the back with its arm bound. We should be safe right?
No, not yet!
As Kaga said that, the fly in the back punched Pokachi, but it barely managed to deal any damage to her.
You call that an attack? Let me show you!
Pokachi immediately tried to attack the fly, but it managed to retreat back the backline. Luckily, because the fly in the front was also coming in for an attack, Pokachi managed to deal some damage to it before dodging out of the way. The fly then rammed into Ophelia sending her flying backwards.
Oof. I should have shielded! That really hurt!
B… But how? They were paralyzed and arm bound!
They are still paralyzed and arm bound.
U…Um… enemies can still attack sometimes when paralyzed. Arm bind only causes some of their specific skills that uses arm to fail. Otherwise they can still attack.
I see. That’s good to know. Thanks Birgitta.
N… No problem…
Given that it will be a pain to reach the fly in the back with melee, let’s focus on the one in the front first.
I’m going to conserve my TP for the rest of the fight, they are weak enough already, and I’m at 3/5 TP already.
Gotcha.
The guild managed to kill the fly in the front this turn. In particular, when Syra attacked the fly, Pokachi and Ophelia felt some life energy flew into them.
Huh? What was that?
I feel all tingly.
That was a new skill I learned. If I attack an enemy with ailment, I can draw their life energies and heal us. I call it “Vampire“.
Interesting… But I didn’t feel anything?
It only heals the people on the same line as me… Sorry…
No need to be sorry, that’s an amazing skill.
Thanks!
Kaga watch out!
But it was too late, Kaga was chatting with Syra and wasn’t able to react in time. The arm bound fly rammed into Kaga. Knocking her to the ground.
Nice fall there.
Aaugh…
Guys, focus on the fight first. We can chat after.
You okay Kaga?
Yeah, sorry that was on me. Let’s finish this fly first.
This time, everyone was focused on the battle at hand, and they managed to kill the fly without any additional injuries.
A… Are you alright?
Birgitta studied the injured people worriedly as she removed some medicine from her pouch.
I… I know there isn’t much, but here… Have some medicine. I made it myself; it should help.
Don’t worry Birgitta, we are fine. And thanks for your medicine.
Yeah I’m pretty tough I’d say.
As Birgitta spoke, she applied a healthy amount of strongly-scented ointment to Ophelia and Kaga’s bruises. Ophelia initially turned up her nose at the heavy smell, but immediately began to feel her wounds heal!
Glad I didn’t get hurt, that thing smells!
Yes, but it works wonders.
You guys should apply some too. It can also sooth your mind and recovery some TP…
Eh?
Would you mind sharing more of your medicine?
O…Of course!
Thanks a bunch Birgitta, you really helped out a lot.
N…No… I’m glad that I could help.
Having dealt with the situation, the guild decided to return to their exploration of the ruins. Given that they all the southern path led to dead ends, they decided to head north this time. But it wasn’t long before they reached another intersection.
Fifi, where do we go now?
If possible, I’d like to go south.
Why? Given that we explored most of the southern area already, I don’t think there will be much there if we go south.
Yes, I’m aware, but if we go south now and confirm there’s nothing there, we don’t have to go there again.
I agree with going south, otherwise my OCD will kill me.
As they walked forward, they immediately encountered another intersection.
Which way now?
Let’s go east.
Sure boss.
However, it is yet another dead end.
Well, can’t say we didn’t expect it.
Let’s head south then.
As the guild about to backtrack to the intersection and continued south, they encountered a Muscle Fly and a skunk.
Frontline:
Backline: N/A
Uwa… That thing stinks… My nose hurts!
Let’s focus on the skunk first then.
Ophelia casted Front Guard as she said that. As soon as she finished casting, the Muscle Fly tackled into Pokachi, but thankfully due to Front Guard, she only took partial damage.
Not again!
I got this! Fire Star!
Nana’s Fire Star again caused great pain to the Muscle fly, and did decent splash damage to the skunk. Syra then rushed into to perform an slash on the skunk. While she was successful in her attack, the skunk managed to spray its toxic on her before she could retreat back.
U… Um…. Uh…
Syra?
Syra! You are turning purple!
And you smell horrible…
The mist… it’s… poisonous…
Can you cure it?
Not Yet…
I can… But it will take some time…
I can still go on. Let’s finish them quickly and then we can treat the poison.
Alright. Finish that skunk quickly and then let’s deal with that Muscle Fly.
On it!
Pokachi slashed both monsters with her Paralyzing Reap and successfully paralyzed the Muscle Fly, but the skunk managed to stay up. Unfortunately for him, that did not last long. Kaga’s bullet shot through it, and after a whimper, it fell to the ground.
Nice, and now the Muscle Fly!
Syra became even more purple and looked like she will collapse any moment. Luckily, Pokachi, Nana, and Kaga managed to finish off the Muscle Fly before Syra collapsed.
Birgitta immediately looked Syra’s condition.
Let’s see…
After a while, Birgitta gave Syra a bowl of medicine soup. After she drank it, her purpleness rapidly faded away.
Thanks Birgitta. This will be very useful in the future. Would you be able teach me?
Of course! There’s also soup for paralyzation, blindness, confusion…
If possible, I’d like to learn all of them.
Re…Really?
Birgitta beamed with delight that she was able to help and started talking about all the medicine soups. Although these soups are simple to prepare and is powerful, unfortunately, they take long to prepare, so it’s not suitable for combat. Meanwhile, Nana recorded the entry for the new enemy they encountered.
Given their abilities, I’m going to name this monster Spraying Skunk.
Alright, let’s continue with the exploration. Also please be careful. That fight was pretty close. Syra almost collapsed.
Okay.
With that, the guild returned to the last intersection and continued down south. Soon, they reached a gate.
That looks like the same gate we went through earlier.
But it’s a different gate.
You sure?
Of course! Who do you think I am?
I concur, this is a different gate.
Then I guess this is a different gate.
What? I see how it is. You only believe Syra.
Guys! Not now!
Yeah. We trust your map Nana.
Of course! My map never lies.
Sure sure.
I’m going through the gate!
Wait Poka.
The guild followed Pokachi through the gate. However, they were disappointed after they went through the gate, because they found the same open room they encountered when they first entered the labyrinth.
Well, we are back to where we started.
Laika?
There’s 3 more gates in this room, and there’s also that pathway we didn’t finish exploring yet. I’m sure we’ll find her.
R…Really? You think she’s okay?
Yeah. It’ll be fine. Let’s continue searching.
Okay! T… Thank you guys…
Which gate are we going to check next?
If we are going to go with our earlier decision, we should check the gate directly to the north now.
Yeah, let’s go.
The guild went through the gate to the north. However, there is nothing there, just one big empty room.
This room seems suspicious, let’s investigate.
Okay.
What is this?
After investigating for a while, Birgitta discovered a strange pattern on the wall inside the room. When the other members of the Istoria guild approached it, they found what appears to be the shape of a human hand.
A hand!
What is a hand symbol doing here?
Should we put our hand on it?
Allow me.
Nana put her hand up to it, and the pattern glowed…
However, it quickly returned to how it was before… It doesn’t seem as though anything will happen here at the moment.
Doesn’t seem like anything happened.
It’s not like you can make it do any either.
Nana, could you mark it on the map? Our primary objective right now is to find Laika. We’ll figure out the hand later.
Okaaay.
After confirming there is no other secrets in the room, the guild walked back to the central room. This time, they went past the northwestern gate and continued until they reached the first intersection.
Let’s go north.
As the guild walked north, the guild encountered a group of Rabid Koalas.
Frontline:
Backline: N/A
T… There’s 3 of them…
Don’t worry, we got this.
Yeah. Rabid Koalas are much less of a threat compare to Muscle Flies and Spraying Skunks. We can handle it. Front Guard!
Fire Star!
3 of them… Let’s see… This should be a time for force skill!
Right after Nana dealt some damage with her fire star, Syra activated her force boost “War Edge Power”. This allows her to activate her war edge effects even without an aliment on her target. She used it to cast guard slash on the center Rabid Koala and reduced its defense.
Force Boost huh?
Kaga!
Yeah?
Unfortunately, Kaga got distracted again, and the Koala on the right managed to claw her.
Ow!
You are mine!
While Kaga tried to recover from the attack. Pokachi casted her Paralyzing Reap again. While she managed to hit all 3 Rabid Koalas, only the middle one became paralyzed. The first koala then did a leg sweep on the frontline. Pokachi and Ophelia managed to jump in time and dodged it, but Syra tripped from the sweep.
My legs are a little numb…
Let’s see, how to cure binds?
Kaga! We are in combat! Pay attention!
But it was too late. The middle Koala managed to claw Kaga again.
Ow! Why me again? This one really hurts… You are asking for it!
Air head…
Kaga aimed her gun at the third Koala and fired a bullet. The bullet pierced through the Koala’s arm, and it fell limp. That said, Kaga is also bleeding heavily.
Kaga doesn’t look too good…
Syra, could you still heal Kaga?
Yes, I don’t need legs to cast War Heal.
Please do that.
Okay.
In the new turn, Syra casted War Heal on Kaga; Ophelia casted Front Guard again; Nana casted her Fire Star. This time, Nana’s fire star managed to kill off the center Rabid Koala.
Thanks Syra.
Nice one Nana! My turn!
As Pokachi jumped into the air with her paralyzing reap, the first Koala punched into Ophelia. But because of Ophelia’s Front Guard, it only scratched her. Meanwhile, Pokachi came down with her reap. While the paralyzation failed, one of the Koala fell to the ground motionlessly.
Back at cha!
Thanks!
I’m not out yet!
Kaga, after recovering some health from the War Heal, aimed and shot the koala’s arm, binding its arm. At the same time, War Heal’s second wave came in, recovering even more health for Kaga.
It’s extremely weak. Whoever is fast, finish it!
That’d be me!
Pokachi rushed in and slashed the koala and the koala fell down.
After a quick patch up from Birgitta, everyone were in good shape.
Kaga. Focus on the battle next time. Everything else can come later.
Yeah… Sorry…
Though… It wasn’t completely on you either. I should have taunted them. So I’m sorry as well.
It’s okay both of you. We are still learning. We’ll become better together.
Can we continue the exploration?
Yeah Poka. Sorry for the wait. Let’s continue with the exploration.
With that, the guild continued on with their exploration. But soon Pokachi spotted a small crevice.
Ooh. What is this?
Hmm… This looks like a path used by the creatures living in this labyrinth.
Oh, so a shortcut?
Yeah.
But I don’t think we can fit in that crevice.
No, but we should be able to open it up from the other side.
Hmm.. Good find Poka. Nana, could you record that on the map so we can check it out from the other side later?
Yep.
Let’s continue then.
As they continued walking forward until they reached a dead end, water unexpectedly poured down from above!
Pokachi managed to jump out of the way. Birgitta and Syra were discussing about medicine soups in the back, so they were okay. Unfortunately, Ophelia, Nana, and Kaga got drenched.
Wah! What was what?
Oh come on!
Blargh…
My dress!
As they looked up in shock, they found themselves under a web of tree branches and one particularly large leaf that swayed high above. This leaf must be thick, as it repelled water well, it held a rather sizable pool of water within it, perhaps due to a recent shower. The swaying leaf eventually shifted and thus drenching Ophelia, Nana, and Kaga passing underneath!
A… Are you okay!?
Birgitta looked really concerned.
No! My dress… Ugh… What is that smell?
I feel like puking…
Syra… I don’t feel so good…
You guys are stinky!
(That smelled horrible… Was the water pooled in there for a long time? Or… was it even water?)
The water gave off the worst smell the guild had ever experienced in their life!
I need to take a bath for an entire year… NOW!
This is like some nearly-spoiled meat and already-spoiled meat mashed together and left out in the open.
Though Nana didn’t say a word, she looked the worst. She seemed like she was about to really lose it… The unbearable odor had really taken its toll… Not only on their mental state, but their body as well!
I’m going to take everything off and wash everything without a moment’s waste!
Yes please!
No! It’s dangerous here to remove your equipments. We may get attacked any moment!
Eh? But they are stinky!
(Gah… I know that.. but this… this smell…)
Ahhh! I can’t take it anymore…
Is this where I die?
…
As the guild stood around thinking about the options, the stench continued to torture others.
Can we make a decision already?
(I need to make a decision now or the suffer will continue… If we remove our equipments, we must wash the equipment of the affected members on our own. Otherwise, we should head back to get help from others… Okay I made my decision.)
Let’s head back! It’s too dangerous… to take off the equipment. We’ll go seek help.
But Fi!
No buts, let’s go!
(I hope this is the right decision.)
However, the stench of the splashed guildmates continued to torture everyone! Ophelia started to feel itchy all over. Kaga’s face turned pale as she looked to the ground and started mumbling to herself. Nana looked like she’s about to collapse as her pace gradually slowed down…
I… I… I can’t… ple… hah…
Now it’s itchy! Ahhhh!!
…
Birgitta, do… do you have any medicine for this?
N…No… Sorry…
Syra?
L… Let me try!
Syra casted War heal on Ophelia, Nana, and Kaga. However, although their physical state became better, the stench persisted.
It’s not working… Sorry…
It’s… It’s fine. Let’s keep moving. Syra… keep casting… War Heal on us… to keep our physical condition well.
Okay!
No matter how terrible the stench, removing equipment in this forest is simply not an option, so the guild continued their march. However, the stench started irritating their nasal cavities and eventually started to cause real pain!
You guys are turning green!
!@#*&%($
…
It hurts now!
It’s okay guys, I’ll keep you guys healed with my War Heal.
Luckily, while suffering, Pokachi suddenly snapped her fingers.
Syra, vinegar gets rid of the foul odors right?
Ah yes, but we don’t have any vinegar with us.
That reminds me. I once read something about how rinsing with lemon juice will remove bad smell…
I… I have some lemons.
T… Tea… Lyia told me… tea grounds… will cover up most stenches…
Yes I remember reading about that as well, and I always carry tea bags with me!
While the guild shares folk remedies and old pointers provided by their acquaintances… They realized that the stench was already starting to die down! There’s no more need to worry about the stench affecting the guild now.
Good job guys. We managed to get rid of the stench.
Indeed. I’m glad we knew so many different ways to remove stench.
Yeah… I thought I was going to die for sure!
Yay! I helped!
N… Nice…
…
What’s wrong Nana?
MY DRESS!
As Nana’s heartbreaking yell echoed throughout the labyrinth, Ophelia decided it’s probably best that the guild to be mindful of what’s above them as they continue with the exploration.
Sorry guys… That was a poor call on my part.
Huh?
I shouldn’t have asked everyone to investigated that dead end.
Oh that, that wasn’t your fault. We all agreed with your judgement, nobody expected the foul water.
Can we drop that topic? I don’t want to be reminded of my dress!
Thanks guys, should we head back to town to recover?
I… I think you guys should head back and recover as well.
We haven’t found Laika though.
Birgitta looked sad, but she quickly shook her head and looked into Syra’s eye with determination.
I’ll wait here!
To be honest, I’m fine here with Syra’s healing. I can still explore.
I have no TP left, but I can still cast my force skills.
luckily I always carry a spare dress.
A…Are you sure?
Yeah.
T… Thank you!
Alright then, Let’s keep going then. Syra, please take care of us.
*gulp* Y… Yes!
With that, the guild backtracked to their last intersection and took the other path until they reached yet another intersection.
Which why Fifi?
Um… North?
Okay!
Pokachi found another crevice on the wall while they traversed the labyrinth. However, the crevice was again too small from this side, so Nana marked the spot on the map and the guild continued. But soon they realized they were back to an area they already explored.
Guys. According to my map, we’ve been to this place earlier. I can guarantee it!
Yeah… I’ve seen that flower over there before, and that rock.
What? They all look the same to me.
No, this is the only vermillion flower we passed by.
What’s a vermillion flower?
It’s a flower with a certain type of red shade.
Huh…
L… Laika?
Let’s head back to that last intersection and go west this time.
Roger!
As they were heading back, they encounter another pack of Rabid Koalas.
Frontline: Backline: N/A
That’s for my dress! Astrosign!
Without warning, Nana casted her force break. The Koalas had no chance, and all 3 of them fell from the explosion Nana created.
Nana is scary…
Ye… Yeah…
Nice work Nana.
Hmmph. That let out some steam.
Anyways, should we continue?
Of course!
Chya!
As they went to explore the other path, they soon found out it was another dead end.
Damn it!
I’m pretty sure we explored all the paths from the 4 gates we’ve passed.
Yes we did.
There’s still one more gate. But let’s go back to the inn and regroup before we explore the last gate. I don’t think we have enough TP to keep us going for long.
U.. Um…
What is it Birgitta?
Birgitta pointed to something that looked like a white beard growing from a big tree at the end of the corridor. This mysterious plant had white, beard-like tufts with countless thrones, which looked like the spines of a hedgehog.
What is this?
Brimming with curiosity, Pokachi reached out to discover that the plant’s thrones were soft, and could even be eaten if desired.
So squishy… This is fun!
Hm… Seems like it’s a Hedgehog mushroom.
Birgitta muttered behind the guild as she looked up the interesting find on her pocket guide.
U…Um, that mushroom’s apparently edible, so… If you’d like, I can cook it…
With a slight tilt to her head, the young woman asked the rest of the guild.
Yes. This is perfect timing! We haven’t ate anything today.
Indeed. This will recover our TP as well.
Does it taste good?
It can’t replace my dress though…
I prefer meat to be honest, but mushroom sounds good right about now.
Then it’s decided. Please cook for us Birgitta.
Yes!
After the guild confirmed that they want to eat, Birgitta took out her cooking utensils with delight.
Hmm… You always carry around cooking utensils?
Y… Yes… I like cooking.
That’s great! Poka, you should learn to cook as well, you are already 23 you know.
It’s okay, I’ll just marry Birgitta!
E… EH?
Don’t worry Birgitta, she’s just kidding.
What no!
Yeah she is. Don’t worry about it Birgitta.
O… Okay…
Birgitta nervously went back to cooking. After lightning a fire and filling a pot with water, she chopped the white mushrooms into bite-sized pieces and tossed them in the simmering pot.
I…It’ll be done soon, so please be patient.
Birgitta took out several herb-like from her pouch and throws them into the pot… Eventually, the pot began to emit an incredible smell that stimulated everyone’s appetite.
That smells great! Even better than meat!
All you know is meat! You should eat more vegetables.
But meats are great! Though this soup smells tasty too.
*drools*
This smells better than Syra’s cooking… Ah! Sorry Syra.
Don’t be sorry, you are right. This does smell better than my cooking.
Hey, everyone… it’s ready!
Yay!
Alright, let’s chow down!
D… Don’t rush guys… There’s enough for everyone…
Yeah. Kaga, Poka, control yourselves, we don’t want to accidentally knock over the pot now.
Okaaay.
The guild took a sip of the finished mushroom soup. Its texture was similar to that of seaweed, and it had fully absorbed the rich flavor of the broth.
I… I simmered it with some herbs that are good for recovering your energy.
Thank you Birgitta. This is splendid.
I wouldn’t even doubt if this was served as a gourmet soup from a 5 stars restaurants.
Yeah!
Say Birgitta, is it possible to give me your recipe? I’d like to try it as well.
Ah yes!
Birgitta and Syra exchanged some knowledge on cooking. While they were doing that, exactly as Birgitta stated, the guild’s body brimmed with stamina and health as they ate the soup.
Alright. Now that we had a meal, shall we continue?
Now, I too, want to marry Birgitta.
E…EH?
Nah, I’m sure Birgitta will find a much better suitor than you.
Oh yeah? Like who?
Like Poka for example.
Guys, let’s drop the joke okay? You are scaring Birgitta!
Yeah. All the more reason to find Laika to repay Birgitta’s meal.
Laika…
Oh yeah! Let’s go find Laika!
I want more soup…
Poka, let’s find Laika first, then we can make more soup.
Laika! Where are you?
Now that they had gotten in a light meal, they decided to return to their expedition. That said, there’s only 1 gate left they haven’t explored.
D… Do you think Laika is behind this gate?
Birgitta looked very worried. The guild had already explored 4 gates. This is the last one remaining.
Yes I can guarantee it.
B… But…
I guarantee it.
O… Okay…
Then they walked passed the gate and walked forward.
As they continued exploring the ruins, a terrible, nigh-indescribable smell hit them in the face… The ruins now seemed entirely cloaked in an awful odor that smells like sulfur that somehow spoiled.
U… Um… Is it just me, or do you smell something awful?
I smell it too…
Huh? I don’t smell anything.
Birgitta was looking around for the source of the smell as she uncomfortably pinched her nose. Even Pokachi slouched behind pinching her nose.
Why… Why me? First foul water… Now foul smell…
Nana? You alright? You look really pale!
Y…Yeah…
Nana, having the most sensitive sense of smell out of everyone in the guild, pointed to the south as the likely source.
Should we head east to escape the odor?
N… No… We should get rid of this smell first.
Let’s explore south then.
As the terrible malodor shrouded the ruins, they decided to slowly push forth.
When the guild reached the intersection, they didn’t hesitate and headed south. However, they reached yet another dead end.
When they finally arrived, it became obvious that the smell was coming from a crevice in the wall.
Uwa! That stinks!
It’s that crevice.
So… What are you going to do now?
Birgitta asked what’s next, but she was giving off a look that said she wanted to get away from the foul-smelling area immediately. Nana looked like she is going to collapse any moment.
Probe it with a stick?
Before the guild was able to come to a resolution, Pokachi walked up to the wall, and gave it a solid kick. Everyone heard a rustling noise coming from within… That sound of something moving gradually faded, seemingly increasing in distance from the guild. It may just be their imagination, but the terrible smell seemed to slowly become weaker as well. Though the true source of the odor remains a mystery, everyone assumed that it’s well and gone and continued the expedition in a cheerful mood.
I can breath again!
Oh boy. Never thought I’d be happy just being able to breath.
Whew…
Nice kick Poka!
Yeah! Let me know if you need something kicked again!
Haha… Sure Poka.
That said, I can smell a different kind of foul smell, but it’s very faint.
We’ll keep that in mind, let continue the search for Laika now. Since this is a dead end, let’s head east.
Yeah.
The guild went back to the intersection and headed east. However, They encountered 2 skunks.
Frontline:Backline:
Nana, conserve your TP. I’ll taunt them this time. Poka, try to lower their defenses.
In this fight, Ophelia decided to try a different tactic. Pokachi casted her Eroding Miasma, which reduced the defense of both skunks. Syra and Nana attacked the skunk in the front with their weapon, but it also managed to get an attack on Syra. Ophelia raised her shield up and casted Taunt. The backline skunk tried to spray its toxic fluid on Ophelia, but luckily Ophelia managed to dodge it. Kaga casted her force boost: Double Action, which allows her to use her skill twice. Then she leg snipped the backline skunk, binding its leg.
Nice, we are off to a good start. The backline skunk won’t be much of a threat with its legs bound. Let’s focus on the frontline skunk.
Gotcha.
This turn, Ophelia casted Front Guard to prepare for skunk’s attack. It proved to be useful because the frontline skunk tried to attack Ophelia, but it barely did any damage, and rest of the guild quickly finished it off. The backline skunk tried to spray again, but it tripped and fell instead because its leg was bound.
Okay. Let’s wrap this up.
And with that, everyone jumped on the leg bound skunk and killed it without issues.
That was pretty smooth.
Yeah, but I used a lot of tp and my force boost in that fight.
Kaga you focus on single target. If there’s multiple targets on the line, Poka and Nana should use their skills.
Okay.
Anyways, let’s keep going!
Yep yep.
But as the guild continued east, they encountered an intersection.
Let’s just keep going east.
Okay.
Unfortunately, it was another dead end.
What’s worse is that before them stood a wolf that seemed to be attempting to escape the smell from earlier.
A wolf? First time seeing them here.
U… Um… there’s this thing I’ve heard of where a beast sprays an airborne deterrent when it feels endangered… So, maybe the smell from earlier came from whatever got attacked by this wolf…
Oh, that’d be those Spraying Skunks… Makes sense…
I… I see.
But if Birgitta is correct, then the wolf before them must be irritated that its prey got away.
Oh no. Everyone, on your guard!
I’m ready!
Catching the sight of them, the wolf began closing the distance between them, licking its lips… It seemed to believe the guild were a replacement meal! Escape is not an option! The guild prepared their weapons and fights!
Frontline: 
Backline: N/A
Alright! It’s my turn. Force Break!
Ophelia’s force break is nicknamed Painless, with it active, it can prevent damage to all guild members.
Kaga! Bind its legs.
Gotcha!
The wolf was nimble and managed to claw both Poka and Nana. However, because of Ophelia’s force break, it didn’t do any damage to either of them. Kaga then leg snipped the wolf. Rest of the fight was easy. Because the wolf’s leg are bound, it couldn’t do anything, so the guild were able to easily defeat it.
Nice shot Kaga.
Of course. That’s the fang Napier mentioned to make a new gun. I’m going to carve it.
Sure. Nana, you are recording the new monster?
Yep. I’m calling this one Air Wolf.
After defeating the wolf, the guild let out a deep breath and looked around. It seemed that the wolf didn’t have any friends lurking in the area.
Anyways, we should keep moving and remain alert. It’s not safe here.
Seconded.
I concur. It’s already 2pm. We need to find Laika and go home.
Poka! Let’s go!
Okay!
And so the guild went on the last path they haven’t explored. Soon the path led to another gate.
Nana, we haven’t gone back to where we started right?
No, this is a new gate.
Whew… I got scared for a sec. Shall we go in?
Okay.
The guild went through the gate, and saw a big room with a few more gates.
Well…
Why are there so many gates in this ruin?
Whoever lived here must really like gates.
Let’s just check them in order again. Starting from the southwestern gate.
Mhmm.
However, the gate was disappointing. There was nothing in there.
At least it was quick. Next gate.
Kinda wish they were all this easy to explore.
So which gate next?
Northeastern gate.
With that, they went into the northeastern gate. Unfortunately, there was nothing here behind this gate as well.
That was another quick one.
Last gate now?
Laika is definitely there right?
Of course.
However, as they were going back, they spotted a Muscle Fly and a Spraying Skunk.
Frontline: Backline: N/A
Now is not the time. Let’s just quickly finish them. I want to go home.
Yeah… Formation!
Yeah yeah… Let’s hurry up and finish this.
Yeah… It is getting a bit late.
Ophelia started off with Front Guard. Which turned out to be a good call because the skunk immediately tried to attack Syra. Nana then casted her Fire Star on the Muscle Fly. Again the damage was very significant. The fly tried to return the favor, but Nana swiftly jumped behind Pokachi. So the fly instead tackled into Pokachi, and again, because of Front Guard, Pokachi only took partial damage.
Owie! Sometimes I wish I’m on the backline.
Oof…
But then I’d deal less damage… Well, here goes nothing!
Syra then followed up with her attack on the skunk. Kaga did the same. Pokachi finished it of with her signature move Paralyzing Reap. However, altho she hit both targets, neither were paralyzed.
It… didn’t work?
Don’t worry Poka. Both of them are really weak. we can just finish them off.
Okay!
And that’s exactly what they did. Ophelia casted Front Guard just to be safe. Pokachi finished the skunk.
Skunky is stinky no more!
And Muscle Fly is… What?
Nana tried to finish off the fly with her staff, but the fly somehow managed to dodge it and tackled into Ophelia. Luckily, Ophelia had Front Guard activated, so she only took minor damages.
Sorry, that was on me.
Ha. Let me show you how it’s done.
Kaga fired on the fly, and it fell to the ground.
Annnnd… Done! See, easy!
Hmph. I was just tired.
S… Sorry guys… I can continue on my own. You guys should return to town and rest.
No. We already promised you, and I can sense Laika is just up ahead.
O… Okay…
Now, then, let’s keep going.
As they passed the last gate, it became dark. It’s already 4PM. However, The guild proceeded. And as they proceeded through the unexplored forest, they discovered a small open area.
There, in the center of the area, they spotted a doggo.
As soon as it saw Birgitta, it began to bark excitedly.
Oh, thank goodness! Laika!
Birgitta ran over to Laika and threw her arms around the doggo. Clearly, this must be Laika, Birgitta’s “little sister.” Laika’s tail wagged in wild excitement as Birgitta embraced her. Everyone from Istoria guild were shocked it didn’t fell off from the sheer force of its movements.
Thank you so much, Istoria Guild! Without your help, I would have never found Laika!
Birgitta smiled to the Istoria guild.
You are very welcome.
I’m glad for you.
Thank you!
Laika is cute! Can I pet it?
Y.. Yes! Laika, come here. They are my friends who helped me to find you.
As Pokachi played with Laika, Birgitta examined her surroundings. She seemed to ponder something for a moment, then asked.
U…Um… Does… Does Maginia know about these ruins?
Good question.
I doubt it. Otherwise we’d have heard about it back in the city.
Maybe you should report this to HQ…
Ophelia nodded in agreement.
Yes. But for now, let’s head home and get a good rest.
Seconded.
Finally.
Resting sounds good right now.
Yeah. Come on Laika, let’s go home.
You too Poka.
Coming! Oh, let’s take that shortcut!
Sure.
With that, they began the journey back to the city with Laika and Birgitta in tow. Unfortunately for them, they saw another pair of Spraying Skunk
Frontline: Backline:
Oh for heaven’s sake…
Let’s dispose of them quickly!
My Force is ready again! War Edge Power!
Yes. But for now, let’s head home and get a good rest.
Given that there is only 1 enemy per line, Pokachi and Nana will save their TP. So Pokachi jumped in to do a normal slash on the frontline skunk. Not to be out done, the skunk kicked Ophelia.
This kind of damage is nothing. I can keep going. In fact, I’m going to taunt them!
And that’s what Ophelia did. She casted her taunt skill. However, the backline skunk didn’t take the bait. Instead, it sprayed its poison mist on Pokachi. Pokachi, wasn’t prepared to be sprayed by the skunk, got poisoned.
Oof… taunt?
Taunt doesn’t guarantee they will attack me, only more likely.
Awww…
It’s okay. I have an idea.
Let me leg bind that skunk!
Although Kaga’s shot hit the target, but the leg bind failed.
Dang it!
I… feel… funny…
I’ll snipe its leg this time!
No, focus on the frontline skunk. We need to finish it quickly before the poison takes Pokachi. Front Guard.
After Ophelia casted Front Guard, Pokachi and Nana attacked the frontline skunk but failed to kill it. The backline skunk tried to kick Ophelia, but due to it being on the backline, and Ophelia casted Front Guard, it did next to no damage. Kaga, after receiving Ophelia’s order, shot the frontline skunk and managed to kill it before it did any more harm.
frontline skunk is dead!
Nice! But I don’t think we can make it in time to save Pokachi. Syra, could you use Theriaca β on her?
No need. Displace!
Syra drew all the poison out of Pokachi and tried to use it to inflict the skunk. However, the infliction failed, but Pokachi is no longer poisoned!
Thanks Syra! I feel much better now!
Oh nice! You learned another skill!
Yeah… It’s a skill I learned while exploring the ruin.
Nice! Now, let’s finish this fight so we can go home!
Okay!
And now, it’s time! Force Break!
Syra’s Force Break, Fairy Robe, recovers guild’s hp and binds/aliment, as well as voids any negative effects.
That felt very nice! It’s like I’ve never got poisoned at all!
I’m glad it helped! Now let’s finish it!
You got it!
Everyone moved in to attack. However, Nana missed, and the skunk kicked Ophelia again.
Melee is really not for me. I keep missing!
It’s almost dead! One more attack!
Payback time!
With a swift slash from Pokachi, the skunk fell.
Nice work guys! Let me patch you guys up one last time.
Thanks Birgitta! Let’s go home!
Woo!
Time for a good rest.
With that, after a full day of exploration in the lost ruins, Istoria guild, Birgitta, and Laika, headed home with the information of a newly discovered ruin called Eastern Shrine.
Istoria 