peachrabbit-twst

[peachrabbit-twst]

Book 6-67: Tower Conquest! (Tower 1)

Notes: [Regarding a few changes from previous translations, “Episode” will now be “Book,” and format may change slightly. Book 6 Chapter 67 begins at Part 16 and continues until 26; Part 19 has 5 segments and Part 23 has 8, for a total of 37 total segments to this Chapter. For anyone playing the game, the team I used for the battles in this chapter is made up of Vil, Epel, Rook, Ace and Deuce, using their dorm uniform cards for 8 Buddy supports and a high HP team.]

6-67-16

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Emergency Exit

SYSTEM: Thunder Spear, entering power saver mode. SYSTEM: To resume normal power mode, please use fingerprint or voice identification, or return to the charging station.

VIL: Good. Levitating the spear with magic was difficult thanks to all the energy spilling off of it earlier, VIL: But we shouldn’t have a problem magically holding it aloft while it’s in power saver mode. VIL: Like this!

EPEL: Vil! Please leave moving the spear to me! EPEL: I’m used to transporting things with magic from helping out at home.

VIL: Oh? And what change of heart brought about this sudden offer to carry things for us?

EPEL: I realized how little help I’ve been in the Phantom storage asylums and against that Titan… EPEL: So I thought maybe I could at least make myself useful carrying things…

ROOK+VIL: ……

VIL: Hah. You’re sorely underestimating me if you think moving something of this size is going to wear me out.

EPEL: Th- that’s not what I was trying to say! EPEL: I just wanted to help you and Rook preserve your magic in any way possible, just in case! EPEL: Prefect and I aren’t much help to either of you in a fight. EPEL: That’s why, um, I wanted to make myself useful in some way outside of a fight if I could.

PREFECT- “Please leave carrying things to me!” PREFECT- “The only thing I can do otherwise is cheer you on…”

VIL: Here you were throwing yourself out ahead despite my warnings, yet now you’re going to listen and help quietly?

ROOK: Haha… Being able to admit your own weakness is proof you’ve grown. ROOK: But you know, the two of you need not fret the matter. ROOK: You’ve both done more than enough already.

VIL: Rook’s right. If you push yourselves too much now, you’ll only cause us more trouble when you falter when it matters most.

EPEL: Urk… all right.

ROOK: Of course, I understand where you’re coming from. ROOK: One cannot help but want to take Vil’s place when one sees him with a heavy load! ROOK: Not long after we had entered NRC, there were many who would volunteer to assist Vil if they saw him returning from the school store or from town with bags in his arms! ROOK: Oftentimes they would be from other dorms, not only Pomefiore.

ROOK: “If there’s a crowd, you will find Vil” was the feeling one would get from the sight.

VIL: That was only because they were interested in me as a famous entertainer. Most of them gave up offering within a few months.

ROOK: You mean, fewer and fewer students could match your steadfast ethic to self-dedication.

EPEL: Hm? Was offering to carry Vil’s luggage or bags how the two of you met?

VIL: As if! VIL: Rook and I didn’t meet until long after those oggling hangers-on gave up following me. VIL: Although at the moment I’ve been refusing offers for long-term stage performances or filming, VIL: While I was in my first year, I had to continue with filming for a number of works I had taken on prior to entering NRC. VIL: One day I was reading my script for my next theater performance on a bench in the courtyard when suddenly-

???: GRRRRAAAAAHHHH!!

EVERYONE: !!!!

ROOK: It’s a Phantom! And one much larger than any we’ve come across aside from the Titan, at that!

EPEL: Prefect, get back!

Battle!

Victory!

[peachrabbit-twst]

EP 6-66-15 (Tower 3)

S.T.Y.X. Tower 3- Storeroom

Three hours later…

SYSTEM: Thunder Spear charging complete. All systems functioning normally.

RIDDLE: … Mmm? Is the Thunder Spear done charging?

AZUL: So it seems. AZUL: On another note, I’m impressed you could sleep in a place like this.

RIDDLE: It’s way past my normal bedtime… so after eating some of those emergency rations I got too sleepy… *yawn* RIDDLE: Were you awake and keeping watch this whole time?

AZUL: Octopuses are wary and very sensitive to their surroundings after all. I’d never be able to sleep well in a place like this.

RIDDLE: I see. In any case, I had a good rest.

AZUL: Should I call you bolder than you appear, or…?

RIDDLE: We’d better pick up the pace from here on to make up for our extended break. RIDDLE: Let’s get a move on.

[peachrabbit-twst]

EP 6-66-14 (Tower 3)

S.T.Y.X. Tower 3- Storeroom

TITAN: GRAAAHHHHH!!!

AZUL+RIDDLE: Hahhh, hahhh…

RIDDLE: Did we… win?

AZUL: We really… knocked that Titan into the pit of Tartarus… right?

RIDDLE: … es… YESSSSS!!! RIDDLE: Incredible, Azul! We actually beat that Original Phantom!!

AZUL: Ahaha! We really did it!

AZUL+RIDDLE: Ahahaha! *clap*

SYSTEM: Thunder Spear battery level low. Remaining power: 10%. SYSTEM: Please return to charging station.

AZUL+RIDDLE: … Ah!

RIDDLE: Ahem. One- one strike is all this spear gets before its energy is drained, apparently.

AZUL: Mmm. It shouldn’t be a surprise, given how powerful its attack is.

RIDDLE: We’ll probably have to deal with plenty of strong Phantoms from here on out. Charging this thing before heading out seems like a good idea.

…

RIDDLE: Time left to charge… wait, three hours?! That long?! But we’re in a hurry!

AZUL: There’s no point in trying to rush a machine. We might as well rest and eat some of the emergency rations and canned food while we wait. AZUL: Not that I would call it particularly delicious, but at least it’s something.

[peachrabbit-twst]

EP 6-66-13 (Tower 3)

EP 6-66-13

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Emergency Exit

AZUL: Hahhh, hahhh…! What in the world is that enormous lava monster?!

RIDDLE: I’d wager a guess that that’s one of the Original Phantoms, “Phantom Titan Magma!”

TITAN: JUUUUPITEEEER!! WHEEEERE ARE YOUUUUUU!!! GRAAAAHHHH!!

AZUL: We can’t so much as scratch it! Where’s the Thunder Spear-?!

RIDDLE: The storeroom should be nearby! Azul, run!

Tmp tmp tmp

RIDDLE: Here’s the storeroom!

S.T.Y.X. Tower 3- Storeroom

AZUL+RIDDLE: Hahh, hahh-!

RIDDLE: Ouch-! The door’s burning hot from the Titan’s magma!

Fshhhhhhh…!

AZUL: At this rate the door will melt from the heat! AZUL: I’ll barricade the door with ice. Riddle, please look for Thunder Spear!

RIDDLE: All right. I’ll be right back! RIDDLE: A giant magic gem shaped like a spear… Is this the Thunder Spear? RIDDLE: It’s so big… It hasn’t been activated yet and it’s already this hard to breathe from the intense magic energy. Can I even use this?

Fshhhhhhh!!!

AZUL: Riddle, hurry up! The barricade’s melting as fast as I can make it from the door’s heat!

RIDDLE: No time to hesitate! I’m activating it!

Click! Vrrrrrrrr!

SYSTEM: Code: Titanomachy. Authorizing Level A Emergency Mode. SYSTEM: Magic battery charging complete. Power level 100%. SYSTEM: Activating Thunder Spear.

RIDDLE: Gah! I’m being pushed back-!

SYSTEM: To activate, touch the panel to register the user.

RIDDLE: … Here we go!

Ping!

SYSTEM: User registration complete. Safety lock released. Activating support mode.

RIDDLE: The spear’s magic energy is going wild! Rgh- you- will- obey me!! RIDDLE: Hahh, hahh… It’s too heavy! I can’t lift it, let alone control this power! RIDDLE: Azul…!! Help me- out here-!

AZUL: I’d be delighted. I’m quite confident in my arm strength- urk!? I- it’s heavy!! AZUL: What kind of person were they expecting to have use this spear?!

FSHHHHHHHH!!

AZUL: The door’s been breached! Here comes the Titan!

RIDDLE: Azul, support the spear! I’ll aim it!

AZUL: Leave it to me!

[peachrabbit-twst]

EP 6-66-12 (Tower 3)

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Emergency Exit

Whooooooo…

RIDDLE: Phew, I’m rather warm. Maybe Ortho getting me worked up has me overheated. AZUL: What a coincidence. My face is a bit too warm as well.

RIDDLE: It’s so warm everything seems to be distorting from the heat haze… huh?! RIDDLE: Hold on, something’s up. RIDDLE: A heat haze…? RIDDLE: A heat haze is a schlieren phenomenon when the density of the atmosphere is altered from heat, causing the light’s refractive index to change. RIDDLE: That means it’s not you and I who are hot- it’s the atmosphere!

BOOOOM!!!

AZUL: Wah?! Did an underwater volcano just erupt?!

THUD… THUD…

RIDDLE: No, something huge is coming our way!

AZUL+RIDDLE: !!!!

Battle

Victory!

[peachrabbit-twst]

EP 6-66-11 (Tower 3)

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Asylum

PTM-8765

Rattle rattle rattle!

RIDDLE: That cage is rattling wildly!

AZUL: Doubtless there’s a Phantom rampaging inside. If the woman we heard earlier were in that cage, surely she’d be screaming… AZUL: In other words, that isn’t the right cage.

RIDDLE: Most likely. On the other hand, it’d be dangerous to ignore it, and more importantly that noise is irritating. RIDDLE: Let’s deal with it at once!

AZUL: Why must you always be so impulsive-!

Battle

Victory!

RIDDLE: There we go, safely dispatched.

AZUL: Hahhh… Has it ever occurred to you to avoid pointless combat to preserve our energy and magic?

RIDDLE: What are you talking about? That wasn’t pointless in the least.

AZUL: … Come again?

RIDDLE: Although Night Raven College offers many practical classes in offensive magic, RIDDLE: In reality we rarely have a chance to make use of the skills in a real life emergency situation. This experience will be of great use to us.

AZUL: To be able to find something positive in a situation like this, you must have an even more unique outlook than I first assumed.

PTM- 2565

RIDDLE: The longer we take, the more cages will thaw out. We don’t have the luxury of choice here.

AZUL: That’s true, but there are Phantoms in every cage in this room, remember? AZUL: It’ll take too long to open every one of them. We should start with the ones that look most suspicious. RIDDLE: The cages all look alike. What would we look for to identify what’s “suspicious?” RIDDLE: While you sit here and think, I’m going to open one of the cages.

AZUL: That’s true, but- hold on, I’m still talking-!

RIDDLE: HAH!!

???: GRRRRRR!!!

AZUL: That’s why I told you- no, never mind, let’s just take this thing down.

Battle

Victory!

RIDDLE: Right, next one.

AZUL: Hahhh… I was a fool for underestimating your impatience.

RIDDLE: You’re still whining? Good grief. We don’t have time to dawdle here.

AZUL: Dawdling? And what about you? You’re in such a rush you’re wasting time instead. AZUL: The best way to get a high score on a test is to look the questions over, then start from the ones that offer the highest score. RIDDLE: Rather than wasting time wondering, “Which one’s worth the most?” it’s a better use of time to start from the first question on the page.

AZUL: Are you telling me you always start from the first question?

RIDDLE: Of course. Whether I start from the first or the last question, I’ll always earn a perfect score.

AZUL: Small wonder we can’t get along: the way we think about things is completely different.

PTM-2351

RIDDLE: Next is that cage. We’re low on time, so I’ll up the power-

AZUL: Hold on a second, there could be a person in there! AZUL: Misjudge the power level and you could hurt them! And what if you destroyed the ID card?! RIDDLE: Do you truly think I’d make such a mistake? AZUL: After seeing how powerful your attacks are, anyone would be worried. I’ll handle this one. Hah! PHANTOM: Screeeeee!!! RIDDLE: Hmm, quite the impressive control. A waste of worry it seems, though. AZUL: You had to have the last word, didn’t you?! Come on, let’s just take this Phantom out.

Battle

Victory!

AZUL: On to the next one. RIDDLE: ………

AZUL: Is something the matter, Riddle? You’re not running off ahead like usual. AZUL: Were you hurt in that last fight, or- RIDDLE: Who’s the one who needs the last word now? … I was just thinking about the magic you used a moment ago. RIDDLE: Focusing on a single target and conserving one’s magic energy is indeed efficient. That made for a good reference. AZUL: R- reference? While I don’t know where this change of heart came from, AZUL: It’s good to hear that you’re reflecting on things.

PTM-6566

AZUL: Opening every cage we come across would be a waste of time and magic energy. AZUL: Shall we try knocking on them as a signal with the woman we’re searching for?

Tap tap…

AZUL: !! This could be the right cage- there was a knock in reply.

RIDDLE: I’ll open the cage with magic, holding back the power to avoid hurting the person inside…

???: Screeee! G- gooold! A g-golden crown-!!

RIDDLE: Wha-?! There’s a Phantom outside the cage too?!

AZUL: Ngh, it must have been hiding in the cage’s shadow! Leave this to me!

Battle

Victory!

PHANTOM: Gooooldennnn… fizzzzzz…

RIDDLE: That was a surprise… Thanks, Azul.

AZUL: Have I proved my skills to you yet, Sir Leader?

RIDDLE: I get the feeling you’re gravely misunderstanding something here. We’ll have to save that discussion for later, however. I’ll open the cage now.

RESEARCHER: Ahhh, I’m finally… free!! The Phantom is at the back of the cage!

AZUL: We’ll take care of it in a- hm? There’s something else in there.

RIDDLE: That’s one of the Autopilot Suits that attacked us in the S.T.Y.X. HQ!

RIDDLE: From the looks of it it’s too busted up to attack us.

RESEARCHER: Eh?! It wasn’t a Phantom in the back of the cage?

AZUL: So it seems. The important thing is that no one was hurt by it. AZUL: I’m afraid we need to keep going and don’t have time to take a break here. AZUL: Would you please lend us your ID card?

RESEARCHER: Yes, here you go.

RIDDLE: Thank you. You should flee from Tartarus as soon as you can.

RESEARCHER: Thank you too. Take care, okay?

AZUL: Ortho tricked us.

RIDDLE: Rrrggghhhh… The second I get to the bottom of this place, it’s off with his head!

[peachrabbit-twst]

EP 6-66-10 (Tower 3)

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Asylum

AZUL: “Stay back,” “don’t get hurt”- how weak does he think I am!? AZUL: I have no intention of listening to a such a tyrant any longer!

ORTHO: Welcome, great adventurers, to the third- huh? Wait a second… ORTHO: It’s just you, Azul Ashengrotto? Where’s Riddle Rosehearts?

AZUL: Who knows? … Are you also going to imply I’m useless by myself?

RIDDLE: AZUL!! Stop right there!! Stop or I’ll have your head!

AZUL: Hmph, I’d like to see you try. AZUL: Even with my magic sealed I’d still be far stronger than you.

RIDDLE: Wha- are you calling me weak!?

AZUL: It’s only the truth. AZUL: Although, I suppose if you were to headbutt me with that diamond-hard head of yours, AZUL: You might even score a 1-hit K.O. on me!

RIDDLE: RAHHHHHH!!!!!

ORTHO: Is it just me, or are you both on worse terms than last time? ORTHO: That’s no concern of mine or anything, buuuut… are you sure you want to risk missing an important little hint with your loud bickering?

AZUL: A hint?

???: … lp me… Someone, help me…!

AZUL+RIDDLE: !!!

RIDDLE: A woman’s voice?

ORTHO: Ehehe, rescuing an NPC to get the necessary item to continue is video game basics. ORTHO: You might want to save the in-fighting for another time, or else… ORTHO: … Something unspeakable could happen to her!

RESEARCHER: Please, get me out of here…!

AZUL: Is she trapped in one of these cages?

RIDDLE: What!? We’ll be there right away! Can you pound on that cage you’re in so we can find you?

RESEARCHER: I-It’s too dangerous! I can’t see well in the dark, but- but I’m sure there’s a Phantom in here too!

AZUL+RIDDLE: What!?

RESEARCHER: It’s still frozen, but if I make too much noise and it wakes up-!

AZUL: Understood. Please stay quiet and don’t do anything to rouse the Phantom.

ORTHO: Our adventurers are in a predicament! Can they overcome this desperate situation!? ORTHO: I wish you luck!

RIDDLE: WAIT!! Nghhhh…! Why that little-!!

AZUL: Losing our cool won’t get us anywhere.

RIDDLE: Right. We’ve got to save her at once!

[peachrabbit-twst]

EP 6-66-9 (Tower 3)

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Emergency Exit

RIDDLE: Phew, that’s one down.

AZUL: Riddle, you were injured when you covered for me, weren’t you?

RIDDLE: It’s only a scratch. Nothing to worry about.

AZUL: I let myself get distracted and attacked; it was my responsibility to handle with the consequences.

RIDDLE: If we’re going to start on about responsibility, then in that case I was simply fulfilling my responsibilities as the leader of this team. RIDDLE: More importantly, I can’t allow you to sustain any serious injuries.

AZUL: This again!? As I told you before, I’m not so weak that I need you to protect me!

RIDDLE: What are you getting all uncharacteristically worked up for?

AZUL: Will you stop treating me like useless baggage!? AZUL: It’s true that you are the top in our class, a truly talented mage who became a housewarden within a week of our first year. AZUL: But please bear in mind, that applies solely to the enclosed little world that is our school, Nightraven College.

RIDDLE: … Say what?

AZUL: Take one step off of campus… AZUL: … And you’ll find that titles like “housewarden” and “top in class” are nothing more than pretty little accessories to clip to your collar. AZUL: That goes double for a risky situation like now. AZUL: Right now you and I are of equal status, so stop bossing me around!

RIDDLE: Azul! Hold up! There’s another Phantom asylum right up ahead- I said WAIT!!

[peachrabbit-twst]

EP 6-66-8 (Tower 3)

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Emergency Exit

RIDDLE: Phew… Somehow or other we made it out of there in one piece. RIDDLE: That’s not to say that we won’t be attacked by a Phantom or surprised by Ortho at any given time. RIDDLE: Whatever you do, don’t leave my side.

AZUL: … That’s our class number one for you. You must already have plenty of experience covering for students falling behind. AZUL: How considerate of you to do the same now.

RIDDLE: Drop the sarcasm, will you? I said nothing about you falling behind me in any way.

AZUL: It’s the truth. After all, not since we first began school have my average test scores been higher than yours.

RIDDLE: … Wait, what? You want to outdo me?

AZUL: … Are you implying there’s a problem with that?

RIDDLE: No, um, I’m just a little surprised, since I never considered you might want to.

AZUL: And I never realized you thought so little of me. AZUL: Am I, whose test scores will drift anywhere from second in our grade to tenth, not good enough to rival you in any way, is that is?

RIDDLE: That’s right. After all, your focus is on too many different things to compete with me, when my focus is solely on remaining number one.

AZUL: Say what?

RIDDLE: Aside from managing the Mostro Lounge, you’re been aggressively investing resources in other ventures, haven’t you? RIDDLE: I’ve also heard you’ve been more quietly continuing some version of that so-called “consultation.” RIDDLE: And according to Jade, you regularly leave campus on weekends to do market research. RIDDLE: Not to mention, when I took a look at those “test study notes” I’ve had to confiscate from my dorm students… RIDDLE: … I could tell that, in order to cover topics studied by students of different grades, you’ve had to cut down quite a bit on your own potential study time. RIDDLE: Quite possibly, were you to focus at least your study time on your own studies, you’d manage to obtain perfect scores on your tests. RIDDLE: Instead, you use that time to research other topics to help others score well on their tests. RIDDLE: And yet… RIDDLE: You think you have a chance to score better than me, when I my whole life have spent all my time studying? RIDDLE: That’s where I’d like to say, “I never realized you thought so little of me.”

AZUL: Urk…

RIDDLE: Don’t belittle me.

AZUL: I- I don’t- think so little of- It’s only natural for someone to want to be number one, isn’t it?

RIDDLE: True. Aiming to be the best is a great thing in and of itself. RIDDLE: Had you spent all your recent time studying, you might even have taken the number one spot once or twice already. RIDDLE: Of course, you’d still be tying with me.

???: Gyahhh!!

AZUL: Ack, a Phantom!? When did it get so close!?

RIDDLE: Azul, quit spacing out and fall back!

[peachrabbit-twst]

EP 6-66-7 (Tower 3)

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Asylum

PTM-25111

AZUL: Shall we first knock on a cage and assess the response of the Phantom within?

RIDDLE: Fine. Go ahead.

Knock knock ♪

THUD, RATTLE!!

AZUL+RIDDLE: !!!

AZUL: Thi- this one might be rather strong.

RIDDLE: There was no point cautiously assessing it in the first place! We’d have been better off blasting the cage open without warning!

AZUL: Those with larger stores of magic think differently indeed from the rest of us. Wasting magical energy like that would be unthinkable for me.

RIDDLE: If you have the energy to sass me you have the energy to fight that thing. Here it comes!

Battle

Victory!

AZUL: Phew… Clearly this Phantom wasn’t holding an ID card.

RIDDLE: Your excessive caution during battle will give the enemy a chance to strike your weak point.

AZUL: … I like to think it’s more effective than attempting to blast the enemy down in one hit.

RIDDLE: Do you have a problem with my methods?

AZUL: Teaming up with you has given me a newfound appreciation of Heartslabyul’s students’ hardships…

RIDDLE: Did you say something? Now let’s go.

AZUL: All right. I look forward to our continued partnership, Riddle.

PTM-17561

RIDDLE: HAH!

AZUL: Why did you suddenly blast a cage!? AZUL: What if a monster we couldn’t handle were to burst out!?

RIDDLE: No matter the enemy, we can’t determine if it has an ID card or not without defeating it first.

AZUL: Unbelievable, that the top student in our grade is someone this thoughtless.

RIDDLE: Say again!!??

???: Grrrr…

AZUL: Careful, here it comes!

Battle

Victory!

RIDDLE: This Phantom doesn’t seem to have been holding an ID card.

AZUL: Riddle, will you please have more caution? I don’t have enough hearts to handle this kind of scare repeatedly.

RIDDLE: If you’re so scared I won’t mind if you kind off in a corner where you won’t get hurt. RIDDLE: I don’t care how big and scary the Phantom is, I won’t flee.

AZUL: How insulting, to be treated like a coward. I said nothing of being scared. AZUL: I’m trying to avoid getting stuck in a dangerous situation we can’t turn around.

PTM-11769

AZUL: I suppose we should have excepted as much from a crate designed to hold Phantoms. AZUL: It doesn’t look like we’ll be able to pry it open except with serious effort.

RIDDLE: !! The Phantom is this cage is already awake and moving. RIDDLE: I’ll blast the cage door open with magic. Azul, you step back.

AZUl: Again with the “stand back” and “get behind me.” I don’t mind so much this time, but still…

RIDDLE: Here I go! Hahh!

???: Grraaaahhh!!

Battle

Victory!

PHANTOM: Aaaaaarghhhh…!!

Fshhhhhh… Clatter!

AZUL: Something fell when the Phantom collapsed- an ID card!

RIDDLE: Excellent. Finding it took pleasantly little time. **

Rattle rattle! Scratch scratch!

???: Grahhhh…!

RIDDLE: !! Growls are coming from cages in every direction! Azul, we should leave right away.

AZUL: Agreed.

** (T/N: Having chosen this Phantom first the first time I viewed this, this line is a whole lot funnier to me.)

[peachrabbit-twst]

EP 6-66-6 (Tower 3)

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Asylum

RIDDLE: So this is a Phantom asylum… It’s even colder in here than along the stairs.

AZUL: Most likely those cube-shaped boxes are cages housing Phantoms. AZUL: We had enough trouble with just a few of them, and now we’re dealing with dozens…

RIDDLE: There’s no way we can coexist with Phantoms. We have to stop their plan, whatever it takes-

ORTHO: - And so the brave adventurers steeled themselves!

AZUL+RIDDLE: !?

ORTHO: Hiya, Riddle Rosehearts, Azul Ashengrotto! ORTHO: Are you having fun yet with this real life dungeon?

RIDDLE: Hmph. It’s been so easy I’m getting bored!

ORTHO: Ooooh, snap! Hehe, but I get it. ORTHO: Games aren’t worth playing if they’re not a little challenging! ORTHO: And soooo! I’m going to lock that ID card you have!

AZUL: Wait, you mean we can’t use the staff ID card anymore?

ORTHO: Finding the correct key to a door or path is one of gaming’s greatest thrills! ORTHO: Holding a master key right from the start halves the fun. ORTHO: Your new ID card will drop from one of the caged Phantoms that has already woken. ORTHO: Find it to enjoy that sweet taste of success!

RIDDLE: Quit treating us like characters in a game!

ORTHO: Ahahaha! Best of luck! You’ll be needing it!

RIDDLE: Ngrrrrrrrr…! That little-!! Were that not a hologram I’ve have had his head!!

Rattle rattle!

???: Grrrrrr…!

AZUL: … He threw us straight into a timed mission.

RIDDLE: Tch, you’re right. The longer we take, the more Phantoms will thaw and wake.

AZUL: We need to hurry.

RIDDLE: No need to tell me twice!

[peachrabbit-twst]

EP 6-66-5 (Tower 3)

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Emergency Exit

PHANTOM: Hisssss!!

Fshhhhh…

RIDDLE: !! The Phantom dissolved into some kind of foul-smelling black ink! Let’s get out of here before it makes us sick.

AZUL: … Regarding what you said earlier. What did you mean by that?

RIDDLE: What I said?

AZUL: You said “Stay behind me,” I believe. AZUL: It’s true that you have almost a year’s experience more being a housewarden than me. However, please don’t forget that I too am a sophomore and a housewarden. AZUL: I’m perfectly capable of fighting without being protected.

RIDDLE: My intention was to keep you from getting hurt, not to imply I wasn’t aware you can fight.

AZUL: I’m already aware I might be injured here. Don’t belittle me.

RIDDLE: But I’m not belittling you… RIDDLE: Besides, you said it yourself that my grades, ability and power are all better than yours. RIDDLE: The strong should fight in front.

AZUL: Hmph, I see. In that case I’ll oh so gratefully languish in the rear.

RIDDLE: Hahhh… Did you have to say it like that? RIDDLE: We need to cooperate or we’ll never get anywhere. No solo action allowed.

AZUL: Who’s the one who’s been going off solo here, you hard-headed…

RIDDLE: Hm? There’s a large door up ahead. The map indicates it’s a Phantom asylum chamber.

AZUL: … If we take into account that we’ve already been ambushed by a Phantom, it’s like that those inside the chamber will be thawing out.

RIDDLE: Let’s proceed with caution. You’ll follow my orders, as I’m the leader. Understood?

AZUL: Yes, yes, understood.

[peachrabbit-twst]

EP 6-66-4 (Tower 3)

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Emergency Exit

AZUL: Riddle, I’ve already requested that you refrain from taking off alone!

RIDDLE: I’m the leader of this team, so what’s the problem with my deciding which way we go?

AZUL: That’s not the issue here. What I’m asking is for you to be more careful when you do. AZUL: There may be Phantoms thawed out and waiting in the shadows. AZUL: Although Tartarus’ path is a straight single route, we have no idea if and when Phantoms may leap out at us.

RIDDLE: Do you really think I could be defeated by such a pitiful surprise attack?

AZUL: It’s great that you’re confident, but remember, we haven’t had any formal training to fight Phantoms. AZUL: Caution is the best method when dealing with unknown enemies.

RIDDLE: You’re not wrong. But it’s a bit late for that- we’re already too far down the rabbit hole. RIDDLE: There’s no turning back now. In that case we’re better off confidently charging ahead than plodding along, jumping at every shadow.

AZUL: Bravery and recklessness are a hair’s breadth apart.

RIDDLE: And caution and cowardice are also a hair’s breadth apart. RIDDLE: On that note, nowhere in the “How to Handle Any Emergency Situation” manual does it say “Fear the enemy.” RIDDLE: I’m simply obeying what it does say.

AZUL: Will you follow anything at all, so long as it’s written in a how-to manual or rule book? AZUL: How about if it said, “Start by letting the enemy attack and strike you first to measure their strength?”

RIDDLE: I’d follow the stated rules, of course.

AZUL: There’s no convincing anyone so stuck on following a manual to a T, is there? AZUL: This is beyond inflexibility- he’s not simply hard-headed, his head is a rock itself. AZUL: Hahhh… AZUL: If I’d known things would be like this I might as well have gone with Leona, even though he’s the one who turned my contracts to sand…

RIDDLE: !! Azul, something’s coming our way!

???: Gyagyah!

RIDDLE: Stay behind me, I’ll finish this!

AZUL: Say what? What’s that supposed to- tch, I’ll save it for after this fight.

Battle

Victory!

[peachrabbit-twst]

EP 6-66-3 (Tower 3)

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Elevator

AZUL: Yesssss! There, I did it!

ORTHO: Says the one looking all smug after I had to lower the level for him. Well, your score’s pretty good. ORTHO: Okay, I’ll let you through!

RIDDLE: … Ortho’s extremely irritating manner of speaking is also irritatingly reminiscent of someone else.

AZUL: Brothers indeed. Only someone related to him would be this good at ticking another person off.

ORTHO: No more games after this. You’ll be diving into a real live dungeon with real live monsters to fight. ORTHO: I can’t wait to see how you two will handle them.

RIDDLE: Hmph, just sit there and wait for us to take your heads. We’ll be make it to the bottom level in no time flat.

ORTHO: Hehe, are you sure it’ll be that easy? ORTHO: … I’ll wait for you at the bottom with my brother.

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Emergency Exit

RIDDLE: Let them enjoy sitting high and mighty while they can. RIDDLE: Let’s make haste.

AZUL: From here on we can’t know when or where we’ll be attacked from. We should proceed with caution- AZUL: - Riddle! Will you please stop charging on ahead alone!?

[peachrabbit-twst]

EP 6-66-2 (Tower 3)

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Elevator

RIDDLE: Gah!? You lost!?

AZUL: Th- the difficulty shot up out of nowhere! Of course I lost!

ORTHO: Ahahaha! What a great face! And here you were all, “I’ll clear this game,” acting soooo cool.

RIDDLE: You never intended to let us win in the first place! What a farce!

ORTHO: Aww, don’t blow up at me! Games are supposed to be fun for everyone!

AZUL: Then I’d really appreciate if you’d think up a game we can all enjoy.

ORTHO: Oh fiiiine. Since you asked so nicely, I’ll lower the difficulty and let you one more time. ORTHO: Got your controller? Get ready to have some fun!

Game Start

WIN!

[peachrabbit-twst]

EP 6-66-1 (Tower 3)

EP 6-66-1

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus

AZUL: Phantom Asylum, “Tartarus”… AZUL: Most likely its lowest level reaches to the bottom of the ocean- it’s too deep to see the bottom from here. AZUL: And yet we can’t fly down there thanks to the Blot miasma drifting up from the bottom. AZUL: How many staircases are we going to have to descend to reach the lowest level “the Underworld”…? AZUL: We can see our breaths… The temperature’s dropped quite a bit already. AZUL: I’m used to temperatures like this, Riddle, but I’d recommend you be wary of- AZUL: Riddle? AZUL: Wait, where did you- what!? He’s already that far down the stairs!? AZUL: Will you please not wander ahead by yourself!?

RIDDLE: Me, wander ahead? Aren’t you the one who was lagging behind? RIDDLE: This isn’t a guided tour. Do your sightseeing when we’re not pressed for time.

AZUL: I’m not standing around wasting time, I’m taking stock of our surroundings. A perfectly reasonable thing to do, wouldn’t you say?

RIDDLE: “He who leads, rules; he who is lead, is ruled.”** RIDDLE: In other words, the one who makes the first move gets ahead and establishes the best position for themselves. … Perfectly reasonable, right?

AZUL: That’s so very like you. I shouldn’t have expected anything but the utmost impatience from the one who claimed the seat of housewarden within a week of our first year at school. AZUL: I have my misgivings about making haste, but… well, I’ll concede. AZUL: You’re the leader of this team, after all.

RIDDLE: According to the map we got from the staff, there’s an elevator right nearby that we can take down. RIDDLE: Aha, here it is.

AZUL: Riddle, please wait- what if there’s a trap-

Click!

AZUL+RIDDLE: ……

RIDDLE: Nothing happened when I pressed the button.

AZUL: All of S.T.Y.X.’s facilities are under Ortho’s control at the moment. AZUL: It’s no surprise the elevator isn’t working.

Whirrrrrrr!

Whooooshhhh…

AZUL+RIDDLE: !!!!

RIDDLE: The elevator door opened.

AZUL: Hmph, I doubt anyone’s foolish enough to walk into such an obvious trap.

RIDDLE: You’ve got some nerve, inviting us in yourselves. RIDDLE: I’ll take you up on that challenge!

AZUL: Did you hear a word I just said!? This is obviously a trap!

RIDDLE: I know and I don’t care. Now hurry up or I’m leaving you behind.

AZUL: For crying out loud…!

ORTHO: Hello and welcome, Tower 3 participants, to the haunted asylum “Tartarus!”

AZUL: You see? I told you it was a trap…

RIDDLE: This is still the fastest route down.

AZUL: As long as it’s not the fastest route to our doom.

ORTHO: Uh-oh, is your party already breaking up before you even set out on your adventure? ORTHO: Are you gonna be okay? There’s lots of trials ahead and you might not be able to handle them like this…

RIDDLE: Trials?

ORTHO: Of course! All good adventures need a trial or two! ORTHO: And your first trial iiiiis… this!

AZUL: This is… the game Riddle got totally absorbed playing, “Legend of the Underworld.”

ORTHO: A perfect choice for the two of you on your way to the Underworld, right?

RIDDLE: Are you telling us that this game is our trial?

ORTHO: Yep! Oh, but this could be waaaay more challenging than fighting Phantoms for you, Riddle Rosehearts.

RIDDLE: Say again!? No need for me to clear this game- I’ll blast open this elevator door with magic-

AZUL: Riddle, stop! AZUL: If you go all out, you’ll blast up the inside of the elevator too! AZUL: Mutual destruction is not on my list of things to do today. I’ll clear this game. AZUL: Ortho, please start up the game

ORTHO: Got it! Game, start!

Game Start

LOSE!

(** T/N Riddle using a proverb here was the most time-consuming thing for me to translate in this section…)

[peachrabbit-twst]

Tower 2 EP 6-66 Entire Chapter

EP 6-66-1

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus

JAMIL: It’s so deep I can’t see the bottom. JAMIL: The staff called this place “Tartarus,” correct? I wonder how many stairs it has.

LEONA: They mentioned it’s got twelve floors, but the map doesn’t say how many stairs there are between each floor. LEONA: Hey, gimme one of those tinkling things in your hair.

JAMIL: Huh? Oh, um, here.

Toss

Fyuuuuuuu…

LEONA: … No sound of it hitting the bottom. Looks like it’s safe to say there’s way over thirty, no, fifty staircases heading down.

JAMIL: Did you really have to use something of mine to test that?

LEONA: Then don’t hand it over in the first place. Quit sweating the small stuff.

JAMIL: … I’m not “sweating the small stuff.” It’s an honor to be of assistance.

LEONA: That ain’t what your smile says.

JAMIL: We should probably start by obtaining the anti-Phantom weapon “Thunder Spear.”

LEONA: It’s in the sixth floor storeroom, right?

JAMIL: According to the map, there’s an elevator nearby- there it is.

LEONA: No doubt it’s locked up to keep us from heading further down.

Whirrrrrr

Whoosh

JAMIL+LEONA: …

LEONA: And the moment we get to it, the doors open all on their own. LEONA: Those damn brothers are goading us on.

JAMIL: This entire facility’s under Ortho’s control, after all. JAMIL: I’m sure this is a trap. As it may be dangerous, I’ll go first-

LEONA: Let’s get a move on.

JAMIL: Wai- hold on- Leona! Please don’t barge ahead by yourself!

ORTHO: Hello! Welcome, Tower 2 participants, to the haunted asylum “Tartarus!”

JAMIL: Aaaand there he is.

ORTHO: Aw come on, why the lackluster response? I hoped you’d be a bit more surprised.

LEONA: We pitiful humans can’t possibly fathom the depths of a robot’s mind, now can we?

ORTHO: … Hehe. A “robot’s,” huh? ORTHO: Guess I’ll have to work a little harder for a bigger surprise next time! Of course… ORTHO: That’s if there’s a next time.

JAMIL: What?

ORTHO: I wonder if the two of you will be able to overcome the trials we’ve got planned?

LEONA: Trials?

JAMIL: Just what are you planning…!? Please stand back, Leona!

LEONA: How’s anyone supposed to “stand back” in a tiny little elevator like this? Geez, you’re annoying.

ORTHO: Tadaaa!

JAMIL: Hm? “Hydra’s Counterattack” is shining on the wall?

LEONA: You mean that ridiculous game we killed time with earlier?

ORTHO: That’s right! Your first trial is to clear “Hydra’s Counterattack!” ORTHO: If you can clear this game, I’ll grant you both the right to challenge us!

JAMIL: A video game? Now? What is he planning? JAMIL: Leona, I’ll play it.

LEONA: You will?

JAMIL: Challenging this recklessly is too dangerous when we have no idea what kind of traps there might be.

LEONA: It’s seriously just a TV video game.

JAMIL: We can’t be to careful. For example, we could get shocked the moment we grip the controller-

ORTHO: Come oooon, you’re overthinking this. I wouldn’t do something that violent.

LEONA: Hahhh… whatever. If you’re that hyped then have at it.

ORTHO: Our player this time is Jamil Viper! I can’t wait to see how he’ll do! ORTHO: Ready? Start!

Game Start

LOSE!

EP 6-66-2

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus

LEONA: Ahahaha! A game over in seconds? Laaaame.

JAMIL: Hold on a moment!! JAMIL: What was that!? The difficulty level so much higher than when Leona played!!

ORTHO: Of course it was! There’s no fun in playing a game the same way twice!

LEONA: Pretty lame show from someone who talked so big.

JAMIL: Who’s side are you on!? JAMIL: Still, I’ll take responsibility for my own loss. If it comes to it, I’ll sacrifice myself to-

ORTHO: Don’t take it so seriously! Games are for having fun, after all. ORTHO: All right, I’ll lower the difficulty for you! ORTHO: Grab that controller and get ready to try again!

Game Start

WIN!

EP 6-66-3

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus

JAMIL: All right! How’s that!?

ORTHO: This time you scored pretty high! Experience matters for sure. ORTHO: I hope you keep up that momentum and blast through the next few missions of Tartarus!

JAMIL: “Missions?”

ORTHO: Yep! From here on is an ultra hard dungeon chock-full of Phantoms. ORTHO: Better be careful so you don’t get ambushed by any monsters too high above your current level!

LEONA: Doesn’t matter to me what pops out on us. I’m gonna make it all the way down there and blow out both your hair. LEONA: Better look forward to it.

ORTHO: … Got it. I’ll wait right here with my big brother. ORTHO: I’m really, reaaaally and truly looking forward to seeing you!

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Emergency Exit

LEONA: The hell’s that supposed to mean? “Looking forward to seeing you?”

JAMIL: I agree. JAMIL: Calling Tartarus an “ultra hard dungeon” and treating this like a game…

LEONA: What, would that make all of us characters they’re controlling? Don’t make me laugh.

JAMIL: It seems this elevator won’t go any further. Let’s proceed down these stairs with caution instead. JAMIL: As we have no idea what could happen form here on out, please stay close to me.

LEONA: Hahh…

Ep 6-66-4 Tower 2

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Emergency Exit

JAMIL: All this walking and I’m still cold. JAMIL: This place is unexpectedly chilly.

LEONA: Tartarus is supposed to be a giant Phantom freezer. LEONA: If they started building this place back in the era of the gods, that’d explain why it’s set into the freezing depths of the ocean.

JAMIL: It’s not a good match-up for us, who are from the Sunset Savannah and the Scalding Sands.

LEONA: For sure. I can’t call this place comfy even with our temperature-regulating dorm uniforms.

JAMIL: Oh, do you need an extra layer? You’re welcome to borrow my sweater and adjust it with magic-

LEONA: Who asked for that? Besides, that’d defeat the purpose- you’d be slowing down from cold instead. LEONA: I’d rather hurry up and rip the leaves off that Radish Sprout so I can vacate this place and get some sleep.

JAMIL: Right. I’m worried about our school too.

LEONA: … Worried? About that place?

JAMIL: As of now the only housewardens remaining at Nightraven College are Malleus and Kalim. JAMIL: The entire school, Scarabia included, are no doubt chaotic right now.

LEONA: Hmmm LEONA: You’re saying you’re worried about leaving your housewarden in charge by his lonesome, is that right?

JAMIL: No, that’s not what I meant. Aren’t you concerned about the students of your dorm as well? JAMIL: Savanaclaw has no vice housewarden. Surely they’re in a panic with your absence.

LEONA: As if I care. They can do what they want.

JAMIL: How can you irresponsibly pass this off with “as if I care?” - Hm? JAMIL: I didn’t notice it before thanks to the draft coming from below, but… there’s another breeze.

LEONA: Yep. A light wind’s been blow at us from the side for the past few minutes.

JAMIL: Ah! Just ahead there’s a small side path from the wall!

LEONA: Too dark to see into it, and it’s a perfect place for anything to hide. LEONA: I’d say there’s a good chance a Phantom that’s thawed out already is hiding in there.

JAMIL: Please stand back. I’ll check it out alone.

LEONA: Huh? LEONA: Say what?

JAMIL: Hm? JAMIL: You’re the second prince of the Sunset Savannah as well as the housewarden of Savanaclaw. It’s only natural I go first. JAMIL: On top of that, I’m lighter on my feet. Oh, of course I’m not calling you slow or anything.

LEONA: ………

JAMIL: Simply put, I’m worried about you. Nothing I could do would make up for it if anything happened to you.

LEONA: Hah! Worried? “Make up for it?” LEONA: You actually think that you need to- hold up.

???: Screeee!!

LEONA: Looks like we’re too late. Something’s heading our way.

JAMIL: Of course it is… We’ll just have to face it!

Battle

Victory

EP 6-66-5

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Emergency Exit

PHANTOM: Screeeeee!!

Fshhhhh…

JAMIL: The Phantom dissolved into… a black sludge? It’s Blot! JAMIL: Ack, Leona, please don’t get too close to it! It might affect you!

LEONA: Tch. You don’t gotta keep warning me about the dangers of Blot or getting too close to enemies- I already know! LEONA: … Now that I get a good look at it that stuff’s disgusting. Makes my skin crawl.

JAMIL: The way it oozes like spilt ink, staining whatever it touches, then dries and vanishes- JAMIL: … Had we been stuck in Overblot, we might’ve ended up like that too.

LEONA: Hmm. LEONA: All mages are affected by Blot, no exceptions. The weaker and more untrained the mage, the worse the effect. LEONA: “I’ll check it out alone”? Well don’t you sound confident.

JAMIL: I simply chose the most efficient course of action. Since this is an emergency, we need to be extra cautious. JAMIL: According to the map, there’s an asylum where Phantoms are stored up ahead. JAMIL: The one from a few minutes ago might have escaped from there. JAMIL: From here on out we’ll doubtless be met with more and stronger Phantoms. JAMIL: I’d really prefer if we don’t intentionally seek out extra danger.

LEONA: Hahhh… what’re you, a herbivore cowering in the grass?

JAMIL: Wha- I’m not cowering from anything! I’m trying to make up for your lack of caution!

LEONA: That so? Whatever. Do what you want.

JAMIL: Then I’ll do exactly that.

EP 6-66-6

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Asylum

LEONA: I’m gonna wager a guess that all these tough-looking crates are cages.

JAMIL: The entire wall is made up of them. Are there Phantoms in every one of these?

ORTHO: That’s right!

JAMIL+LEONA: !!

ORTHO: You get to enjoy popping them open to find out what kind of surprise Phantom’s inside! ORTHO: It’s like opening a birthday present! Exciting, right?

LEONA: Ortho… how about showing yourself already? I missed you.

ORTHO: Oops! Hi there! ORTHO: It’s great to see the both of you are in tip top shape.

JAMIL: No thanks to you.

ORTHO: I thought loooong and hard after Leona Kingscholar said “We can’t possibly fathom the depths of a robot’s mind.” ORTHO: We’re finally all playing a game together, so it’s got to be an extra fun one! ORTHO: If “being human” means doing things that no person or machine expected… then I’ll pull it off too! ORTHO: Take a look at the top of the cage to your right.

LEONA: To the right… A paper? The hell? LEONA: D, O, U, R- “dour?” What’s this supposed to be, an introductory letter from your home?

ORTHO: Wroooong! That’s a password you’re going to need to get through here.

JAMIL: A password? JAMIL: Does that mean to “pass through here” the ID card we’ve used until now will be-?

ORTHO: You got it! I’ve already deleted the ID card you have on hand from the security system. It won’t work anymore. ORTHO: If you want to open this asylum’s door and move to the next stage you’ll need either a matching ID card or the correct password. ORTHO: What Leona Kingscholar has is only half of the password you need to open that door. ORTHO: The other half iiiis… hidden in one of these cages! ORTHO: Your next trial is to find the right password, open the door and continue on your quest! ORTHO: Best of luck to you!

LEONA: Damn, can’t punch a hologram.

JAMIL: By “hidden in one of the cages,” does he mean we have to open them ourselves?

???: Grahhh!!

LEONA: Looks like our jack-in-the-box is all ready to pop out on its own.

JAMIL: The caged Phantoms are starting to wake up. The longer we take, the worse our situation gets.

LEONA: Yeah, little though I wanna trust that midget’s words, it doesn’t look like we’re getting that door open or leaving from where we came anytime soon otherwise. LEONA: This is a total headache, but we’d better get started cracking open those cages and checking out the contents.

EP 6-66-7

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Asylum

PTM- 18776

JAMIL: I’m opening the cage. Please stand behind me.

LEONA: Tch, don’t order me around.

JAMIL: Then please do so before I have to say anything.

LEONA: Hahhh…

JAMIL: Judging by where the latch is on the cages that are already open, this cage’s latch is… there! Take that!

???: Graahhhhh!

JAMIL: It’s a Phantom!

LEONA: I can see that. We’re taking it out.

Battle

Victory!

LEONA: What’s the password?

JAMIL: Hmm. It seems to be “lion.”

LEONA: Lion?

JAMIL: In other words, “dour lion.” Or, “a grumpy lion.”

LEONA: Quit screwing with me-!

JAMIL: That password seems to be incorrect. I do think the contents were correct, at least.

LEONA: Your lip’s the one thing you’ve got going for you, huh?

PTM- 28155

LEONA: Next up’s that cage.

JAMIL: I’ll open this one too.

LEONA: I see Scarabia’s vice housewarden is still a child at heart. Can’t wait to crack open a present box, can we?

JAMIL: Wha- I just want to- JAMIL: Hahhh, talking to this person is pointless. I just have to put up with him until I’ve done what I need to.

???: Gyahhhh!

LEONA: And here comes our enemy. Let’s take it down.

Battle

Victory!

LEONA: Looks like there’s a password here.

JAMIL: “Fin present?” What does that mean?

LEONA: … “Fin ‘d our’ present.” They want us to find their present ourselves.

JAMIL: They sure are having fun mocking us, aren’t they?

LEONA: And on top of that it’s the wrong password.

JAMIL: Tch. That makes it even more irritating.

PTM- 11913

JAMIL: Please stand back while I open this cage.

LEONA: Well aren’t you all fired up. LEONA: Now that you’re done with your oh-so-helpful warning, can you get to it already?

Bang!

???: Screeeeeeeech!!

Battle

Victory!

PHANTOM: Gyaaaaahh!!

JAMIL: That takes care of that cage’s Phantom.

LEONA: Any password note?

JAMIL: Let me see… here it is!

LEONA: What’s it say?

JAMIL: It says… JAMIL: … We should head for the door. JAMIL: It opened! So those words were correct.

LEONA: I’d figured that midget coulda been spilling nothing but lies, but looks like he wasn’t. LEONA: So? What was the password?

JAMIL: … You’re better off not knowing. It’s ticked me off, at least.

LEONA: Just spill it.

JAMIL: Hahh. JAMIL: The only thing on that note was the word “best.”

LEONA: “Best?” If we connect that with the first word were given, we get… LEONA: “Do UR best!” LEONA: Those little- mocking us like this-!!

JAMIL: And that is exactly why I didn’t want to tell you- it would infuriate anyone.

EP 6-66-8

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Emergency Exit

JAMIL: The stairs continue down from here.

JAMIL: There’s a good chance that any Phantoms that escaped are hiding up ahead like the those we came across earlier. JAMIL: On top of that we have no idea what else Ortho left in wait for us. Please proceed with care.

LEONA: Phantoms aside, I doubt we’ve gotta worry about that Radish Sprout and his little brother for the time being. LEONA: As fixated as those two are on calling this whole deal a “game,” LEONA: There’s only so much they can do to mess with us all the way from that bottom floor. LEONA: My guess is the most we can expect while on these stairs is a Phantom or five getting in our way. LEONA: Though now that I think about it, they’re going about this in a real roundabout way. Hmmm…

JAMIL: You’re right. JAMIL: I did notice something regarding Ortho, to be honest. JAMIL: If you may recall, when you were fascinated by the game screen while we were passing time earlier today-

LEONA: You looking to become sand?

JAMIL: I’m not the one who described it that way. JAMIL: As I was saying, when you were “batting at the screen,” as Vil and Idia put it…

LEONA: ……

JAMIL: None of us felt the slightest hint of malice from Ortho.

LEONA: Of course not. He’s a robot. They don’t feel emotions in the first place. LEONA: The most they can do is display reactions according to their programming. LEONA: They’re neither good nor evil.

JAMIL: I’m aware. JAMIL: However, when you mocked him for being a robot earlier, Ortho was visibly annoyed. JAMIL: And when he fired back that he would have a “surprise” waiting for us, there was clear malice in his words. JAMIL: Almost as if he were a real human.

LEONA: A human, huh. LEONA: I’d buy it if Idia programmed him to act like an annoying little brat.

???: Screeeech!

JAMIL: Look out!

LEONA: Wha-!?

JAMIL: The Phantom climbed up from below!

PHANTOM: Screee, screeee!!

JAMIL: I’ll clean this one up in a heartbeat!

EP 6-66-9

JAMIL: Phew. Are you all right, Leona?

LEONA: Am I “all right”…? LEONA: What the hell were you thinking?

JAMIL: Huh? What do you mean-

LEONA: I’m not so pathetic I need you jumping in front of every little thing to protect me.

JAMIL: That wasn’t my intention at all-

LEONA: Deflecting an attack like that’s child’s play. You think I didn’t notice that Phantom was there? LEONA: The plan was to lure it to a wider area and take it out all at once, not to flail around on this narrow staircase. LEONA: Impressive how badly you managed to screw that up by needlessly “protecting” me.

JAMIL: Then why didn’t you tell me what you were planning ahead of time instead of complaining after the fact when I interfere because I didn’t know? JAMIL: Besides, I took what I judged to be the best course of action after you told me “to what I want.”

LEONA: Sure, that’s what I said. What I didn’t say was to drag me down with you.

JAMIL: Drag you down?

LEONA: You got hurt “protecting” me, didn’t you? Don’t bother pretending you didn’t. LEONA: We’re marching through enemy territory and they’re all gonna come flooding at us now that one of us has shown weakness. LEONA: If I’d have known you’d , I’d have gone with that eight-faced octo-creep instead. LEONA: Instead I’m saddled with dead weight.

JAMIL: … “Dead weight?” As if. Unlike Azul, I’ve been trained as an escort. JAMIL: Clearly that makes me a better choice to protect you than someone with no stamina. JAMIL: As intelligent as you are, I’m sure you can see that much.

LEONA: You seriously haven’t noticed a thing, have you? I’m starting to pity you.

JAMIL: Say what?

LEONA: Now’s not the time- there’s the door to the next asylum.

JAMIL: Wait- I’m not done- JAMIL: … Hmph. You’ll find yourself in trouble soon enough. JAMIL: And when you do, you’ll regret that you didn’t listen when I said to be careful.

EP 6-66-10

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Asylum

ORTHO: Welcome to the third trial!

JAMIL+LEONA: ……

ORTHO: Is something wrong? Did you get into a fight?

JAMIL: None of your business.

ORTHO: Ooooh, scaryyyy! Don’t lash out at me just because you’re sulking! ORTHO: I’m worried whether you’ll be able to complete your next trial at this rate, that’s all. ORTHO: And the next mission iiiis… “He who controls the water controls all!” ORTHO: A real hero keeps fighting even when he’s up to his knees, after all!

LEONA: Water? Are you talking about those pools of water?

ORTHO: Exactly! Those puddles are a coolant to keep everything here nice and cold.

???: Is anyone there!? Help me!!

JAMIL: Was that a voice!?

LEONA: It’s coming from by that toppled cage!

RESEARCHER: Please, help me- cough cough!

JAMIL: Is that a S.T.Y.X. employee? Did he get caught in the coolant and miss his chance to escape? JAMIL: It’s dangerous here! Please get out of there and-

RESEARCHER: I can’t!

LEONA: Tch… Real fine hobbies you got there Ortho, tying people by the ankle to cages so they’re stuck in coolant.

JAMIL: I’ll use magic to sever the rope.

ORTHO: Hmmm, are you sure it’ll be that easy? What if it’s not a normal rope?

LEONA: Say what?

ORTHO: That’s one of the cables controlling everything in this asylum. Cut that cable and ALL the cages in here will pop open! ORTHO: The only way to rescue the researcher without that happening is to unlock the shackle around his ankle! ORTHO: And those cages are real heavy- the longer you wait, the deeper he sinks. Heehee! ORTHO: Can you find the key before the researcher drowns? ORTHO: Best of luck to you!

RESEARCHER: Save me!! My foot’s tied to this cage-!

JAMIL: At this rate he’s going to drown!

LEONA: Tch… Looks like for this “trial” we’ve gotta save that researcher if we wanna keep going.

JAMIL: … Clearly this isn’t the place or time to be bickering with one another.

LEONA: Got that right. Let’s hurry up and find that key. LEONA: Hey you, where’d Ortho hide the key?

RESEARCHER: Sa- save meeee!! I don’t want- to drown-!!!

JAMIL: He’s panicking too much to hear us. We’re better off breaking into those cages ourselves.

EP 6-66-11

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Aylum

PTM- 3187

Rattle rattle!

LEONA: Looks like we’ve found ourselves an extra lively Phantom.

JAMIL: Indeed. It may burst out as soon as we open the door. JAMIL: Perhaps we should distance ourselves from the cage before using any magic. Leona, you should step back as well- JAMIL: Le- Leona!?

LEONA: Quit dawdling, here it comes!

Battle

Victory!

LEONA: … No key, huh. What a waste of time.

JAMIL: What were you thinking?

LEONA: Hmmm? Is there perhaps something bothering you?

JAMIL: The one to open the cage should have been me, if you’d read the room instead of blasting the cage from behind me.

LEONA: Oh, were you looking forward to opening the cage that much? So sorry for stealing your fun. LEONA: And here I thought you were getting cold feet, backing up like that.

JAMIL: Absolutely not! I was moving back in case the Phantom were to attack straight away-

LEONA: I got it, I got it. Now drop it so we can move on to the next cage.

PTM- 2510

JAMIL: I’ll open this cage next. JAMIL: (Or so I say, but it’s dangerous to keep using magic so carelessly.) JAMIL: (I’d rather not run out of energy before we get to our goal. Best to hold back any way I can.) JAMIL: Le- Leona!? Please don’t blast open the cage out of nowhere!

LEONA: You sit there and watch. I’ll have this cleaned up in a heartbeat.

JAMIL: Huh? Leona!? Hold up! JAMIL: Who do you think I chose to be the one to open the cage for!? Dammit, why does he keep doing everything out of nowhere-!

Battle

Victory!

LEONA: … No key here.

JAMIL: Unfortunately. JAMIL: About earlier…

LEONA: Earlier? … Oh, that. LEONA: Why’d you join in after I told you to sit back and watch?

JAMIL: As if I could listen to that when we have no idea what could happen here! JAMIL: How many times must I ask you to not go off and do things by yourself? JAMIL: Hahhh… This is wearing me out. Please, please don’t do that again.

PTM- 5044

LEONA: Next up’s this one.

JAMIL: All right. I’m ready to open it. Hah! JAMIL: … Nothing’s coming out. Is this cage empty? JAMIL: I’ll take a closer look, and you can-

LEONA: Stay back, you idiot!

???: Gugyaaaahhhh!

JAMIL: Ngh-!!

LEONA: Damn, you’re such a handful.

JAMIL: Leona…!

LEONA: Save the thanks for later!

Battle

Victory!

LEONA: This one’s got nothing.

JAMIL: … Thank you for helping me. JAMIL: I’ll be sure to return the favor as soon as possible.

LEONA: Too bad I’m not expecting much. C’mon, let’s head for the next one.

JAMIL: Ghh… JAMIL: … All this trouble doesn’t change the fact that working together with Leona has worked well for me. JAMIL: For now I need to be patient.

PTM- 8812

LEONA: Think it’s this cage?

RESEARCHER: Whatever it takes- I don’t care- please- save meeee!!

LEONA: This guy’s freaking out so bad he’s not hearing a word we say.

JAMIL: He’s actually making it harder to help him. This just goes to show how important it is to retain one’s calm at all times. JAMIL: … Whether or not there’s a key in there, the Phantom in that cage has definitely woken up.

LEONA: Time to take it out and see if it’s got a key.

Battle

Victory!

Clink!

JAMIL: There’s the key! This was the right cage after all. Now to free the S.T.Y.X. employee.

RESEARCHER: Hurry… ugh… I can’t- breathe…!

JAMIL: Please calm down and stop flailing about! I’m trying to help you!

LEONA: Hold on a sec. LEONA: You. Stand up.

RESEARCHER: Huh? Stand?

EVERYONE: ……

JAMIL: For the love of- JAMIL: The coolant barely reaches your chest!

RESEARCHER: I guess I was freaking out so much I never noticed…

LEONA: Is everyone here at S.T.Y.X. a complete idiot?

RESEARCHER: Urk… now I’m being mocked by students… RESEARCHER: I got too scared to think straight, sorry.

LEONA: If you’ve got time to get depressed you’ve got time to hand over any password or ID card we can use to keep going down. LEONA: You’ve work here, you’ve got one, right

RESEARCHER: Yeah. I’ll be in your way if I come with, but I want to say- RESEARCHER: Please, save this Isle of Woe- no, save the world!

JAMIL: I can’t make any promises, but we’ll do everything we can.

6-66-12

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Emergency Exit

JAMIL: … The sixth level, at last. According to the map, the “Thunder Spear” should be in a storeroom on this floor.

LEONA: Hey.

JAMIL: What now? More complaints?

LEONA: No. LEONA: It’s way too damn cold.

JAMIL: Huh? Yes, it’s cold, but it’s been cold for a while now.

LEONA: That’s from the chill coming from below. I’m talking about the breeze that’s been getting stronger the past few minutes. … Something’s coming.

JAMIL: “Something?” JAMIL: Whoa!? Now it’s gusting!? JAMIL: It’s like a blizzard, ice in the wind and all!

Rooooooaaaarrrrrr…

LEONA: Ngh, the wind just keeps getting worse. Not to mention that wail… LEONA: !! Here it comes!!

Battle

Enemy HP: 47000

Victory!

EP 6-66-13

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Emergency Exit

JAMIL: It’s ridiculously strong! Could this be the “Phantom Titan Crystal?”

TITAN: JUUUUPITEEEEERRR! WHEEEERE ARE YOUUUU!? LET ME FREEEEEZE YOUUUU!!

LEONA: Tch, this is going nowhere. We’re backing off and regrouping! LEONA: King’s Roar!

JAMIL: A- amazing… the ice is all turning to sand!

LEONA: Yeah, yeah, I’m amazing, but now’s not the time to stop and stare! LEONA: This way!

JAMIL: R- right!

S.T.Y.X. Tartarus- Storeroom

LEONA: We made it to the storeroom, at least. LEONA: This facility’s so fancy I’d like to think they built all the doors sturdy enough to handle that thing, but…

TITAN: COOOOME OUUUUT!!

JAMIL: Ice is forming over the door, massive as it is! At this rate it’s only a matter of time before the Titan breaks it down and forces its way in here!

LEONA: We’ve got no chance facing a monster like that head on without any help. LEONA: I’ll hold it off for the moment- you better hurry and find that Thunder Spear!

JAMIL: All right! JAMIL: Shelf B-16… there it is! JAMIL: Wait, this is supposed to be a spear!? It’s longer than I am tall! JAMIL: How are we even supposed to use something this big? JAMIL: No, hold on, we should be able to if we activate the control system. Insert the start-up key here, like the staff members said…

SYSTEM: Code: Titanomachy. Authorizing Level A Emergency Plan. SYSTEM: Magic battery charging complete. Power level 100%. SYSTEM: Activating Thunder Spear. SYSTEM: To activate, touch the panel to register the user.

JAMIL: Touch… the panel- JAMIL: … No, wait. If I register myself as the user… JAMIL: There’s no way I’d be able to control this spear’s crazy amount of power.

SYSTEM: To activate, touch the panel to register the user. SYSTEM: To activate, touch the panel to register the user.

JAMIL: … Darn it all! I’d better call over Leona!

TITAN: FREEZE… FREEZE IT ALLLLL…!! GRAAAHHHH!!

LEONA: Quit whining, you damn bedhead!

JAMIL: I found the Thunder Spear!

LEONA: Took you long enough to get back here. LEONA: Lead the way. I’ll cover your back, so head for that Thunder Spear and don’t turn around!

JAMIL: R- right! JAMIL: Over there, that glowing thing’s the Thunder Spear!

SYSTEM: To activate, touch the panel to register the user. To activate, touch the panel to register the user.

LEONA: Heh, looks like you waited like a good boy this time.

JAMIL: … Well, all you told me to do was “find that Thunder Spear.”

LEONA: Good.

SYSTEM: To activate, touch the panel to register the user. To activate, touch the panel to register the user.

LEONA: I got it, I got it, quit kicking up a ruckus like a rhinoceros. LEONA: So all I gotta do is touch this panel…

SYSTEM: User registration complete. Safety lock released. Activating support mode.

LEONA: This thing’s so heavy and crammed with magic I can barely levitate it! LEONA: Why’d they have to make this thing such a handful? LEONA: Are you telling me those S.T.Y.X. lot can lift this thing like a feather?

JAMIL: (Even Leona’s having a tough time with it! If I had registered myself instead of leading him to it…)

TITAN: GRAAHHHHHH!! WHEEEEERE AAAARE YOUUUUUU!!!

LEONA: … It’s almost here. LEONA: Listen up. We’re gonna break that thing’s nonexistant nose right off its face. LEONA: Problem is, this loose cannon’s gonna take a minute to aim. I need you to smack that Titan with magic and buy me some time.

JAMIL: All right!

Battle

Enemy HP: 47000

LEONA: You’re more trouble than you’re worth!!

Victory!

EP 6-66-14

S.T.Y.X. Tower 2- Storeroom

TITAN: RAAAAAGHHHH!!

JAMIL: All right! The Titan fell back into the pit of Tartarus!

LEONA: Ughh… talk about an unpleasant opponent. Now my tail’s all frosted.

SYSTEM: Thunder Spear battery level low. Remaining power: 10%. SYSTEM: Please return to charging station.

LEONA: What, it’s down already?

JAMIL: Considering how much power its one shot had, it’s not surprising.

LEONA: Tch, what a pain. Best plan’s to charge it, I guess- there’s no telling what we’ll run into after this. LEONA: Let’s go. LEONA: Three hours to full charge. LEONA: Sounds good to me. This place is stocked with emergency rations somewhere, so let’s rest here for now.

JAMIL: … Understood.

EP 6-66-15

S.T.Y.X. Tower 2- Storeroom

Three hours later…

SYSTEM: Thunder Spear charging complete. All systems functioning normally.

JAMIL: Leona, the Thunder Spear’s finished charging. JAMIL: … Hm? Leona?

LEONA: ZZZZZ…

JAMIL: He’s asleep!? Seriously!? At a time like this!? JAMIL: Leona, please wake up!

LEONA: … Fwaahhhh… Is it done charging?

JAMIL: It is. I’ve collected some food and first aid supplies from around the storeroom; we can leave anytime.

LEONA: … Hey. Did you not hear me say “let’s rest here?”

JAMIL: What if we run into another enemy like that thing? We can’t let our guards down. JAMIL: The next place we can resupply is two levels down at the eighth level. If we’re not careful we won’t make it that far-

LEONA: Ahhh sure, fine, I get it. If that’s how you wanna do things, go right ahead. LEONA: Let’s just get going.

End 6-66 Tower 2