May I please speak
with Lord Ains?
Oh, I'm sorry.
He's out at the moment.
Well now, that just won't do.
I wanted to get authorization
to enter the final stages
of our project
concerning the Theocracy.
Suppose I'll have
to keep myself busy.
I'll be on the seventh level
prepping other work
until his return.
If you're truly in a hurry,
you can always
send a message to the Lord.
I thought you were
a loyal servant.
Doesn't that include conveying
important messages promptly?
[DEMIURGE] It's really not
that urgent, forget it.
Now I'm curious.
I would like him to praise me
for the work I've done is all.
It's rather trivial
to contact him for this.
So where has Lord Ains
gone off to?
To the Dwarven Kingdom.
[DEMIURGE]
That's surprising.
What business could
he possibly have
in a remote place like that?
You know as well as I
that one cannot fathom
the thoughts of a supreme
being such as him.
It's true: every decision
he makes is weaved
into a tapestry of schemes.
I may never see
the entire picture.
Even so. We are
his loyal servants.
We must strive to understand
as best we can,
so we're ready
to meet his needs.
Not to change the subject,
but he brings you up sometimes,
not in a positive
context, though.
[ALBEDO]
He says things like,
"Have you heard from
Demiurge lately?"
And he seems to be
hinting that your plans
don't sit right with him.
Why am I only hearing this now?
There's one thing I'd like
for you to confirm first.
Was there a method discussed
to make the Empire a vassal
state of the Kingdom?
[DEMIURGE] It was considered,
but that would have required
Lord Ains' personal involvement,
which I could not ask
for as a servant.
Not to mention, that plan
itself would have taken
over a month's time.
Take a look.
[DEMIURGE]
It can't be!
The Empire has officially
requested to become
a vassal state of
the Sorcerer Kingdom.
[DEMIURGE]
But how?
[ALBEDO] I was in the
kingdom at the time,
so I don't know the details.
This all came about
after Lord Ains
visited the Empire
of his own accord.
Seems it only took three days.
Don't you have
something to say?
Pull it together.
We have work to do.
Lord Ains has ordered us
to handle the specifics
of the Empire's request.
Are you sure? You said
he had doubts about me.
Perhaps, but this shows
that he still trusts you.
[gasps]
[ALBEDO] I believe
he made the first move,
because he thought that
you were being too reserved.
He was likely
setting an example.
He's dropping a hint that
you shouldn't hold back
in future endeavors.
Read between the lines.
So it's my methods, not me.
In order to meet
his expectations,
I'll further improve
my performance.
[ALBEDO]
Yes, don't disappoint him.
He must have gone in person
to the Dwarven Kingdom
because his plan
is deeply intricate.
He'll be quite busy.
[AINS chuckles]
[COCYTUS] Do you plan to travel
to the Dwarven Kingdom
yourself, Lord Ains?
[AINS]
Yes.
[COCYTUS] I'll prepare our
troops for immediate departure.
[AINS]
No need.
I would like to take
a friendly approach
before resorting to bloodshed.
Above all else, I hope to
acquire dwarven rune technology,
including their knowledge
of ores and w*apon forging.
Let's strive to establish
a diplomatic relationship.
[COCYTUS]
Yes, sir.
[AINS] I'll have Aura accompany
me as my main bodyguard,
with Shalltear and her
brood as our support.
I stopped by this village
to speak with a Lizard Man
who spent some time
in the Dwarven Kingdom.
Is he present?
[COCYTUS] I've brough him
at your request, My Lord.
His name is Zenberu.
Hello.
[AINS] I'm determined
to visit the dwarves.
Can you guide us to their home?
Your Majesty.
What's the purpose of
your visit, if I might ask?
Is it friendly?
[COCYTUS]
You dare question his motives?
That's awfully rude!
[AINS]
It's fine, Cocytus.
Zenberu hasn't done anything
to offend me yet.
[COCYTUS]
Right.
[AINS] Now, I truly mean
what I'm about to say.
I have no intention
of harming the Dwarves.
However, it goes without saying
that conflict could arise
depending on how they
react to my presence.
I 'spose that's
all right, then.
I've got a history with 'em.
In fact, they've
helped me out a lot.
I don't want to return their
kindness with malice.
[AINS] Understandable.
You have my word.
Will you take us to them?
Sure thing!
[COCYTUS growls]
[AINS]
Cocytus!
I wish to learn
as much as possible
about the dwarven culture
before we arrive.
I'd like to know everything
from the mundane,
to their way of life,
to what gifts they fancy.
[COCYTUS]
Lord Ains.
I'd be happy to share,
but before we get into that,
would you like
to take a seat first?
[AINS]
Sure.
[COCYTUS yells]
[AINS]
What is the meaning of this?
[COCYTUS] Shalltear did this
for you once, yes?
I would like to offer
the same courtesy.
[AINS]
That was punishment.
No need for you to do it.
[COCYTUS] But the
Lizard Man I brought to you
was awfully rude, sir!
It's the least I can do.
[AINS] I told you that
it didn't bother me.
[COCYTUS]
I insist!
[AINS]
Fine! Have it your way!
[MOMONGA]
This is awkward.
[COCYTUS]
Tell me honestly, Lord Ains!
How am I?
[AINS]
Hm. You're rather comfortable.
[COCYTUS] So, between
Shalltear and myself,
which one of us do you
find more ergonomic?
[AINS]
Wh-Why do you need to know
something like that, exactly?
[COCYTUS] Well, I wanted
an honest opinion.
I worry I may require
training for those
who will mount me in the future!
[AINS]
Huh?
[MOMONGA]
Takemikazuchi, why?
[AURA] Looks like everything
on the list is accounted for.
And now with that,
we're ready to go!
Relax.
We haven't even left and
you're getting way too excited.
You better not be thinking
about meddling with me!
I have huge plans underway!
Now's my chance to make up for
my mistake and show everyone
that, I, Shalltear Bloodfallen
am worth having around!
Have I made that clear?
I can't afford to
mess anything up!
Lately, I've only been
tasked with grunt work,
like managing
teleportation gates!
I bet that Demiurge
and Albedo think of me
as a mere incompetent child!
I'm certain that
Lord Ains does, as well!
[SHALLTEAR sobs]
[AINS] Aura, I'd like
for you to accompany me
to the Dwarven Kingdom
and provide security.
[AURA]
I'm honored, sir!
[AINS] Shalltear will be joining
us on our journey, also.
You think we need her?
Oh, wait.
We must be going on a mission
to destroy the Dwarven Kingdom.
[AINS]
Certainly not!
Although I am inviting
her for her strength,
the intention isn't to leverage
that against the dwarfs.
[AURA]
Huh?
[AINS] Shalltear is one of our
strongest floor guardians
created in Nazarick.
However, being labeled
as such can be detrimental
to one's growth,
if not challenged.
She has even greater potential.
I would like for her
to continue to grow.
This is a fine opportunity
to push those limits,
as she will have plenty of
allies around to support her.
Lord Ains has never felt
that way about you.
He told me he wanted
you to come so you could
gain more experience
and broaden your horizons.
Did he really tell you that?
Said you're real strong, too!
But he also brought you
on this mission with him
to look out for you.
Learn what you can from him
while you have the chance!
That's a good point.
Maybe I should.
Although, I'm not sure
how to do that exactly.
[AURA]
Oh, Shalltear.
[MOMONGA] They really
are the spitting image
of Bukubuku Chagama
and Peroroncino.
They're always bickering,
but they're still good friends.
Preparations are complete,
Your Majesty.
[AINS]
Good.
[MOMONGA] Don't look at me like
I'm gonna steal your baby.
I mean, it is pretty special.
Maybe if you had
a few to spare, sure.
I'm all ready to go, Lord Ains!
Everything's in ship shape!
[AINS]
Splendid!
Then, it's time
for our departure!
[ZENBERU] We covered so much
ground in just one day!
Not bad!
[AINS]
Let us rest here for the night.
Huh?
[AINS]
This area should do nicely.
Create Fortress!
[AINS] Everyone, please
make yourselves at home.
Find your assigned rooms,
and settle in for the evening.
[AINS] An unknown land,
an unknown technology.
[MOMONGA]
Some places in this world
seem to have knowledge
from Yggdrasil.
I wonder how the Dwarves
learned about runes?
Could it have been
a player who taught them?
It's risky for a person
of my stature to enter
a place like this,
but I want to create
a friendly relationship.
Coming personally
shows my sincerity.
Best of all, Demiurge and
Albedo can figure out
that whole mess with the
Empire while I'm far, far away.
What was Jircniv
thinking anyway?
I hardly said a word to him
and he wants to be our
vassal all of a sudden?
Wait, did Demiurge pull some
strings behind the scenes?
[AINS]
No matter.
I'm sure things will turn out
just fine in their hands.
[AURA]
So, which room you want?
The one to the left?
Or to the right?
[SHALLTEAR]
They're the same to me.
You're my superior anyway,
so if you have a
preference, then take it.
I thought I'd ask at least.
What are you doing exactly?
Just writing down some notes.
I'm taking this seriously
and don't want to forget
a single thing Lord Ains says.
[AURA]
Whoa, impressive! Lemme see!
[SHALLTEAR] I've documented
every statement, motion,
and decision he's made
down to the last detail!
Are you sure
that's a good idea?
Keeping track of wise
words is one thing,
but that's not what
you're doing here.
Like, most of this stuff
isn't even relevant.
Huh?
Only jot down
the important parts.
Or things that apply
to you, at least.
Advice you can use when
you need to make a tough call.
Can you do that with the
mess of notes you've taken?
Well, I would most
certainly hope so.
[sighs] I'll take
your word for it.
You should go to your room
and study your notes.
Imagine what Lord Ains
was thinking
while he said those things.
Then consider what you would do
if you were in his situation.
So re-read the notes, you say?
I spelled it out, didn't I?
Honestly. She's
always like this.
It feels like I'm caring
for a helpless little sister.
I'm at my wit's end with her.
Well, now I know how
Lady Bukubuku Chagama felt.
Lord Peroroncino was
her little brother,
and he could
certainly be a pain.
[ZENBERU]
Here we go! This should be it!
The cr*ck here is the entrance.
Wonder why I don't see any
guards on duty, though.
[AINS]
Hanzo.
[HANZO LEADER]
Present, sir.
[AINS] Sneak inside and
see what's going on.
[HANZO]
Sir!
[HANZO LEADER]
Lord Ains.
We found no evidence
of life in the city.
However, we did confirm
the sounds of mining
echoing deep within the tunnels.
[AINS]
Hm.
[thudding]
[AURA]
Hey there! Whatcha doin', pal?
[screams]
Invisibility, huh?
[GONDO]
A-Are you a dark elf?
What are you doing
in a place like this?
Answer me!
[AURA] Actually, I was looking
for the Dwarven Kingdom,
but there was no one in sight.
I was hoping someone could
tell me what happened.
[GONDO]
I-I see. Well, sorry.
Feo Raidho is empty now.
In fact, they left
three years ago.
It's just me.
Huh. Why don't
you show yourself?
I promise I'm not here
to cause you any trouble.
[gasps] Fair enough.
Seems like you can see through
the enchantment anyway.
Then let me start over.
Nice to meet you!
My name is Aura Bella Fiora
and I'm a representative
of the Sorcerer Kingdom.
Sorcerer what?
Sorry. I'm afraid
I haven't heard of it.
Oops! Where are my manners?
My name is Gondo Firebeard
of the Dwarven Kingdom.
It's nice to meetcha.
Pleasure's all mine.
[AURA]
So, Where did all the dwarves
who used to live here go?
Everybody moved to
a city called Feo Jera.
It's about six days
north from here.
Aren't you a little young
to be on your own?
Did you come here by yourself?
I'm with a party, but we
thought it would be rude
to barge in with
a lot of people,
so they're waiting
at the tunnel entrance.
Very well.
In that case, let me walk
you back to your party.
I need to give them
a piece of my mind
for sending you here alone.
Who throws a kid
into an uncharted cave?
[AINS]
A wise man, as it turns out.
Gondo, please allow me
to introduce myself.
[screams] Oh no!
It's a monster! Run!
[AINS]
Please, calm yourself.
[GONDO] You're an undead?
That's not offensive, right?
I'm just shocked you're ruling
over a kingdom of humans.
[AINS] All are welcome
in my Kingdom.
I've come here today
in hopes of creating
a friendly relationship
with the dwarves.
Don't worry, harming your people
is the last thing I want.
My interest lies with
your rune technology.
Really? What would
you like to know?
[AINS] Your culture's runes
caught my interest
because they look
a bit different
from the ones
I am familiar with.
What runes do you mean?
Can you show me?
[AINS]
Of course.
Like these.
Ah. That character's
called Lagu
and it's one of
the mid-tier runes.
That's good!
Do you know any
others by chance?
[AINS] Some, but what
I'm interested in
is magical weapons
inscribed with these.
Do you still produce them?
Until years ago,
I heard such magic items
were common in the Empire.
What caused their disappearance?
It's simple, really.
There are no runesmiths
left working their craft.
A damn shame.
It's a long story though;
I'll tell you as we walk.
For starters, I should
prob'ly say I'm from
a famous runesmithing family.
[AINS]
I see.
Once all the magic items
my people crafted
were inscribed
with these runes.
But that ended about
years ago.
People found a way to
enchant items with magic
and our methods were soon
considered outdated.
Rune carving is
time consuming in comparison
to performing an enchantment.
And because of that,
many dwarves just gave up.
They believed it would be better
to become magic casters
than runesmiths.
[AINS] So that's how
the traditional craft
began to die out.
[GONDO]
Exactly.
However, runecrafting
has some good points!
Mainly, it's cheaper
to produce things!
[AINS]
That's wonderful.
It takes a lot of
expensive ingredients
to create a high-quality
magic item.
[GONDO]
No one sees it that way!
But imagine if we revived the
artform and created something
that only runes could make?
Then people would
change their tune.
[AINS]
Absolutely.
Is that the reason you never
gave up on your craft?
But I can't do it myself.
[AINS]
Hm.
I don't have what it takes
to be a master artisan at all.
I didn't inherit the talents
of my esteemed father.
But that doesn't matter.
I still believe in the
potential of our craft
and I want to fight for it.
The other crafters
have given up.
They drink their days away,
but they still possess the
skills of our ancestors!
There's only so much
I can do alone,
but I know the end goal
is still possible!
Most importantly, I want
to continue passing down
this craft to my children.
I won't let my father's great
name fade away into history
because of the
negligence of my people!
[AINS]
Seems we have much in common.
I have a legacy I'm
fighting to protect as well.
So, allow me--or rather,
allow my kingdom--
to support you financially.
[gasps] Huh?
[AINS] We will be your patron
and assist your plan.
I'll gather all the runesmiths
from the Dwarven Kingdom
to aid your research.
Let's do this together.
I trust that's enough?
Can you accomplish your research
with that sort of support?
Though, I will expect
absolute loyalty in return.
Gondo, are you prepared
to sell your soul to me
for the sake of your art?
[GONDO] If my soul alone is
enough to satisfy you,
it's a small price to pay
in order to preserve
my people's rich heritage.
I'm ready!
What's this about?
My apologies. I know
you just returned,
but there are pressing
matters at hand.
[AINS]
Go on.
[SHALLTEAR] Well, some
creatures have invaded.
I took the liberty of
sending the Hanzos out
to assess their numbers
and monitor them.
[AINS] And excellent
judgment call, Shalltear.
You did as I would have
done in that situation.
I wonder if those
creatures are Quagoa.
[AURA]
Never heard of 'em.
They're the reason my people
abandoned this city years ago.
From an early age,
the Quagoa consume the ore
in these tunnels.
The fur covering their body
is tougher than any kind
of crafted metal armor.
Be especially wary of
the ones with colored tufts.
They're the strongest
ones in the pack.
[AINS]
Understood.
Shalltear, I want you
to capture all the Quagoa.
Can you do it?
[SHALLTEAR] If that is your
will, it shall be done.
[AINS]
Before you go.
Do you know why I gave
that specific order?
To extract information
from them.
And also, to avoid them
leaving with any intel on us.
[AINS] That's correct.
Good luck, Shalltear.
Bring me back good news!
Sir!
[SHALLTEAR] Today will be the
day that I redeem myself!
What is the best
course of action here?
If I'm not mistaken,
that building is
connected to a tunnel.
--Hanzo.
--[HANZO LEADER] Yes!
I want to ensure that none of
them are able to make an escape.
Can we stop them?
[HANZO LEADER]
Not a problem.
Well, let's begin, shall we?
I think we're under att*ck!
You sure? Those things
aren't dwarves!
Stay alert! There aren't many!
Just hold your ground for now!
[QUAGOA roar]
[SHALLTEAR] I think I figured
out which one's the leader!
Mass Hold Species!
Mass Hold Species!
Mass Hold Species!
Now go, tighten the enclosure!
[QUAGOA D]
Wh-What is this?
[QUAGOA roar]
They can't harm me. Lovely!
Mass Hold Species!
[SHALLTEAR] So are these all
the Quagoa who ran away?
You've searched
everywhere, right?
[HANZO LEADER]
Yes.
[AINS]
Well done, Shalltear.
[giggles] I am glad I didn't
disappoint you, sir!
[AINS] Now then,
I have your next order.
Gather information
from these creatures.
[SHALLTEAR]
Understood.
Huh! Well, I ain't talking.
I swear on the
honor of our tribe!
I have other ways
of doing this.
Charm Species.
Hi, pal! How can I help you?
Now I know me and you
are good friends n'all.
But can we trust them?
That's a shady bunch.
'Specially that undead goon.
Oh, wait, are you
controlling it?
--I will k*ll you!
--[AINS] That's correct.
That woman is my master.
Oh. Of course! Shoulda guessed!
Wow, you're cool!
Th-Thanks a lot, pal.
So, why did you come to this
city, and in such large numbers?
We're just proud warriors
carrying out the orders
of the great Clan Lord Riyuro!
Gonna trash the
dwarven city to the north!
Like totally destroy it.
[GONDO]
You what?
[QUAGOA LEADER]
We're a separate unit, though.
Our orders were
to k*ll any dwarves
that tried to
escape through here.
You heard that, ugly?
That weak-ass fortress you
have protecting the bridge
is going down after today!
We've found a sweet little route
that will bypass
the Great Chasm.
Our main force will be
slaughtering all those
pathetic little dwarves
any minute now!
04x05 - In Pursuit of the Land of Dwarves
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After refusing to log out of a popular MMORPG, a veteran player decides to rule over the game and its NPCs.
After refusing to log out of a popular MMORPG, a veteran player decides to rule over the game and its NPCs.