Valley of Storms Sub-Episodes

[knightsofroundiv]

Order:

Stories from the Spot (1) (ft. Faust)
Stories from the Spot (2) (ft. Faust)
Memories of the Spot (1) (ft. Faust)
Memories of the Spot (2) (ft. Faust)
Break Time (1) (ft. Faust)
Break Time (2) (ft. Faust,  Heathcliff)
On the Eastern Country (ft. Faust)
On the "Great Calamity" (ft. Faust)
People at the Spot (ft. Faust)
Wizards at the Spot (ft. Faust)
Life in the Valley of Storms (ft. Faust, Shino, Heathcliff, Nero)
Impressions of Faust (1) (ft. Shino)
Impressions of Faust (2) (ft. Heathcliff)
Impressions of Faust (3) (ft. Nero)
Impressions of Faust (4) (ft. Lennox)
Impressions of Faust (5) (ft. Figaro)
A Dangerous Place (ft. Arthur, Faust)
Discovery at the Spot (ft. Shino)
Impressions of the Spot (1) (ft. Shino)
Impressions of the Spot (2) (ft. Nero)
Impressions of the Spot (3) (ft. Figaro)
Impressions of the Spot (4) (ft. Lennox)
A Fun Place (ft. Rustica)
Spot Specialty (ft. Heathcliff)
Faust's Reputation (ft. Nero)













Stories from the Spot (1):


Akira: Is there a reason behind the name "Valley of Storms"? Is it because there really are a lot of stormy days here?

Faust: They say that this is the land were storms are formed, and that storms will always pass through this valley.

It was probably named that because there are many changes in the weather originating from these spirits. If nothing's happening, they're usually calm.

Akira: By "originating from these spirits" you mean... The spirits  form storms?

Faust: That's right. Because there are many spirits here and because they're all powerful, with just one little occurrence, this place will pulse.

Even with a small stimulus, those ripples will expand widely, the waves that hit the rock walls will splash, and the released energy will make an incident.

One of those incidents is a storm. When the spirits riot and send the area into a frenzy, the weather often changes for the worse.

Like plants rapidly growing and bringing in odd animals, there are effects on living creatures, weather, and natural phenomenons, as well.

Akira: I see... What sort of thing would stir up the spirits? It would be better to be careful.

Faust: Originally, I suppose it would be things that aren't a part of the land appearing. They're sensitive to things they aren't used to.

Akira: Wha... But then that would mean, us coming to the Valley of Storms would be stimulus for...

Faust: That's right. They've been noisy ever since you guys arrived.

Akira: ...

Faust: There's nothing to be afraid of. If you act normally, they won't harm you. However, they hate blood, so try not to get injured.

Because the spirits make this much noise when someone arrives, I can tell right away when someone's here. For me, this is a very convenient place to live.





Stories from the Spot (2):


Akira: There are many flowers and herbs growing around here.

Faust: Yeah, but you shouldn't go too close. These herbs are used to call on spirits or for curses or curse-rebounding.

Path A: Did you really curse people?

Faust: Huh? I told you that I'm a maledictor. Did you not believe me?

Akira: That's not exactly it, but Faust, I can't really imagine you being like that...

Faust: That's not true. I'm exactly like a maledictor.

(End of Path A)

Path B: You call on spirits?

Faust: Spirits are sensitive to smells, so if you burn incense or scatter herbs, they'll gather.

Akira: Faust, can you see spirits? I wonder if I can see them, too.

Faust: Spirits don't have a principle form. The term refers to nature and mysterious power in itself. If they take on the forms of people or animals, you'll be able to see them.

You can continuously eat things they like or charm a mirror or blade to show their forms, there are a lot of different methods, but they hate peeping.

(End of Path B)

Akira: Right... What do you use when you curse someone?

Faust: I use a lot of techniques that use herbs from here, herb oil, needles, or candles.

For strong curse techniques, I use the hair, nails, or blood of the person that will be cursed... Anything that's a part of their body will do.

Even if someone tells you to give them your hair or nails, take care to never give them any or let them take any from you.

Akira: I-I understand. But if we're all living together at the Magic Manor, I would think that some hair would fall on the floor...

Faust: That's why everyone was against it in the beginning. Even if it seems like everyone's let their guards down, they haven't relaxed about things like that.

Setting aside the younger ones, you won't be able to obtain the hair and nails of strong wizards even if you scrub every corner.





Memories of the Spot (1):


Akira: It seems like it would be hard to make a house around here. Did you build it with magic?

Faust: Yeah... Little by little. When I first arrived here, I was wounded, and at first, I just took shelter from the rain within the hollow of a tree.

I didn't have anything to eat, and I figured that I would die shortly thereafter...

But the Valley of Storms is a strong land that's overflowing with the spirits' powers of vitality. Maybe because of that, I found that I wasn't dying...

And my wounds started to heal themselves.

Akira: ...

Faust: When I healed enough to be able to move around a little, I built something like a small shack. After that, I gradually shaped  it into the form of a house over the years.

Akira: ... It kind of sounds like a heroic tale. You suffered wounds severe enough that you couldn't move, and you quietly endured it all alone...

Faust: It was easier for me to be alone back then. I was drowning in despair and unstable, and I don't really have memories of those ten odd years.

But... Strangely enough, my good fortune continued, and I think that's what helped me stay alive.

Akira: Good fortune...? Was that your magic, Faust? Or was it the work of this land's spirits?

Faust: It's true that I might have subconsciously used my magic. It should have been in part to the land's power as well, but...

I feel like that wasn't all. Somewhere along the way, I might have been blessed by someone or something's spell of good fortune. (Note 1)





Memories of the Spot (2):


Akira: You did your work as a maledictor here, right? Was there a particular reason why you chose to be a maledictor?

Faust: ... When I arrived in the Valley of Storms, I hated everything.

In particular, I wanted to curse every single human that betrayed me and my comrades, so I researched cursing techniques.

I tested out several different methods, collected everything I needed, and around when I'd gathered all the cursing equipment I needed, I met a wizard who'd gotten lost in this valley.

They looked at my house and asked me, "Are you a maledictor?" I didn't answer "Yes" or "No" but...

They asked me, "There's a human I want to curse to death; would you be willing to help me out?" And I had no reason to refuse.

Akira: So that was your Customer #1?

Faust: I guess so. I told them I didn't need payment, but they still paid me and then left...

After a while, a person that said they'd heard about me from that first wizard came to me. ... Ever since, I've been taking payments for my work.

Akira: Then while you continued to listen to their requests, you started to get more jobs by word-of-mouth. But I was surprised your customers were wizards.

Does that mean that there are instances where the person is a human but their magic doesn't work on them, or that there are wizards who can't use curses?

Faust: Wizards have strengths and weaknesses too, and there are those that receive bad repercussions from using curses. Even if the other party is a human...

It's hard to curse them if they've received someone's spell of blessing, or if they possess something that can protect them, or if they've monopolized the land's good fortune.

Most of my customers were wizards. Usually, I accepted requests in the form of lending them a hand.





Break Time (1):


Faust: There are flowers blooming on the elder tree. It's not even the right time period...

Akira: They're flowers blooming out of season, then. I wonder if they were influenced by the spirits? Is it because we got too near?

Faust: It isn't a bad manifestation. It's a tree favored by spirits that's used in making amulets. The flowers can be used for tea and syrup, and the fruit can be used for wine.

Akira: Wow, that sounds delicious!

Faust: ... It's true that just taking the flowers and going home would be a waste...

Faust's hands glow gently, and two wooden woven baskets appear. As if to resonate with his magic, the surroundings trees rustle noisily.

A strong wind blows, rustling Faust's and my hair, and the little flowers that were blooming at the end of the branches like they were huddling together begin to fall one by one.

Faust: Help me gather them.

He hands me a basket and I reach out to the branches crowded with flowers. Their movements feel similar to rubbing a cat's neck and it tickles.

I catch the lovely flowers falling one by one with my basket. The little flowers that are like raindrops skim over our hair and shoulders.

Akira: Whoa! A lot came falling down! They fall off so easily! Ahaha, it smells so refreshing and nice...

I hear a breathy laugh from beside me, and I feel a bit embarrassed, thinking that maybe I was being too childish.

Faust continued his work without saying anything. He worked with a practiced hand that made you think he's done this many times while living in this valley.

Faust: When we get back, let's make some syrup. If you put it on fruit, it'll be more delicious. You'll  help me out, right?





Break Time (2):


Heathcliff: This really is a beautiful yet mysterious place... I usually like most forests, but this place in particular is comfortable to be in...

Akira: I heard that because there's so many spirits, it can be too noisy for wizards, but I'm glad you like it.

But don't you think we should head back soon? I feel like the far end of this path is getting darker and darker, somehow.

Heathcliff: Ah... But... I want to try going a little further down...

Akira: ... That's sort of odd. For you to say something like that.

Heathcliff: ... I... suppose so...

Faust: It's dangerous past there. Come back.

Heathcliff: Ah... Master Faust.

Faust: Evil spirits have taken a liking to you. You're sensitive and good-looking, Heath. I'm sure that they wanted to keep you here in this valley.

If you go any further, you'll be take captive by the forest. Look there.

Deep within the forest that Faust gestured to. When I spot the dark, heavy presence a large tree's shadow is emitting, my breath hitches in my throat.

Something that looks like a deer with large antlers. different plants, and small flowers are swallowed by moss and held captive in a state that makes it hard to tell whether they're dead or alive.

That which cannot be called neither beast nor plant is mystical and terrifying, grotesque and beautiful, and looks almost as if the forest's mysteriousness itself birthed a work of art.

Faust: That stag has large, magnificent, beautiful antlers, wouldn't you agree? The spirits took a shine to him, drew him in, and trapped him inside the Valley of Storms.

Heathcliff: ... Would even humans and wizards end up like that, too?

Faust: Yes.

Akira & Heathcliff: ...





On the Eastern Country:


Akira: Was there a reason behind you choosing the Eastern Country as the place you wanted to stay for a long time?

Faust: ... I couldn't stay in the place where I was before.

I wanted to get as far away from there as soon as I could, so I just ran as far as I could.

I didn't care where I was as long as there wasn't anyone else around. Because I didn't want to see anyone, I might have subconsciously headed for this country where there's a lot of forests.

Faust: When I started living here, it fit my ideals perfectly. It wasn't too quiet, it wasn't too bright, and I lived while interacting with others as little as possible.

Akira: So then... It wasn't strange to you when you were chosen as a Sage's Wizard under the Eastern Country?

Faust: ...

I thought this might be what would happen since I didn't interact with people for 400 years.

Akira: ...

Faust: However, it's just because I've known the spirits here in this valley longer than I've known anyone else I've met in my life.

When I first arrived, they made quite a bit of fuss, but it felt rather gratifying when I realized they seemed to acknowledge me.





On the "Great Calamity":


Faust: On the night that the "Great Calamity" approaches, the world swells with strange power.

There are many spirits around here in particular, so this place basically goes mad. All night, this place is overflowing with an ominous air and vitality.

I would also make a lot of progress on my work as a maledictor on those nights. When I would need to give something my all or use a cursing method that was difficult, I would aim for the period when the Calamity would come to execute them.

Akira: (Work that a maledictor gives their all for... It sounds kind of scary, so I don't want to ask for details...)

I heard that a wizard's health can collapse from the effect of the Calamity coming close. Were you okay, Faust?

Faust: I always did an amount of preparation in advance. I lived rather stably. It was noisy, so I had some difficulties sleeping, but that's about all.

But, let me think... Sometimes, that night would overlap with when I wasn't feeling very well...

On those nights, the emotions of anger and hatred that I once felt would always come back to me like the day I first felt them.

Akira: ... That... sounds quite painful...

Faust: However, ever since I was chosen as a Sage's Wizard some decades ago, I've had a diversion on the nights the Calamity comes.

I no longer have to hold it in and be pained, or try to discharge it and get exhausted.

This is a bothersome role, but that's one thing I like about it.





People at the Spot:


Akira: Do no humans live around here?

Faust: If you go to the foot of that mountain, there's a small village. There's also a town past that mountain.

Akira: That's quite far... Then, this really is a place that humans don't visit often.

Faust: Yeah. Humans in the Eastern Country detest you if they hear you're a wizard, and they'll all avoid you. They spread bad rumors, so it's helpful to me, though.

I guess there are sometimes humans who wind up lost in here. I would scare them with a wolf's voice and guide them to the path that takes you down the mountain.

Akira: You're very kind-hearted... What would you do if that person was hurt?

Faust: ... Well, it's easy to heal someone with magic, so.

Akira: ... Faust, you really are kind. Even though you say that you despise humans...

Faust: I despise them. But even if, for example, you weren't good with snakes, you'd help out an injured snake, wouldn't you?

Akira: ... I, suppose... No wait, I'm not sure...? Would you help the snake, Faust?

Faust: Well... If I wasn't busy.

Akira: But you're usually not busy, right.

Faust: What are you trying to say.

Akira: No... It's just that I was thinking that the people you helped were probably very grateful.

Faust: There was no need for them to be grateful. I just wanted them to leave the valley as soon as possible.

Those who say they want to return the favor to a wizard are weirdly serious, and it's troublesome to get them to agree to never come back.





Wizards at the Spot:


Akira: Whoa! This flower suddenly started glowing. ... It's pretty, but is it something dangerous?

Faust: No, it seems like the wizard who lives deep within that mountain has returned. They were also on an outing, unusually enough.

Akira: If a wizard approaches, do these flowers glow...?

Faust: When the spirits who live in this valley sense a wizard's presence, they'll resonate in reaction to them.

As a result of that, strange phenomena occurs in this forest. These things happen everywhere, but the spirits here are particularly strong, and they react even from far away.

Akira: I see, so this is also the doing of the spirits... So that means the mountain wizard is your neighbor.

Faust: Well, I guess that's about right. I've never met them before, but they've lived here in this valley longer than I have.

There are several other wizards besides me that live in the Valley of Storms. With the help of the spirits' power, we should all be able to sense each other's presences.

Akira: Even though you've lived here for centuries, you've never met any of your neighbors?

Faust: That's on purpose. We all understand that those who live here don't want to see other people, so we don't interfere with each other.

We're all very aware of each other's territory. I've never stepped foot past that tall tree over there.

Akira: By "presence," what exactly do you mean? If a flower were to glow like it did earlier, then even I could understand, but...

Faust: It's hard to put it into words. It's close to an atmosphere, but it's similar to the nature of the spirits close by, so you can slightly feel that they have the presence of a person.

Akira: There are wizards in the Valley of Storms even now, right. Are they all good people?

Faust: Well, I haven't interacted with them, so. It's up to your standards to judge if they're good or bad.

But, they didn't chase away an outsider like me even when I first started living here.

I believe this area was originally someone else's territory, but they gave it up to me. I've always been grateful for that.





Life in the Valley of Storms:


Akira: How do you usually spend your days in a place like this?

Faust: When I'm at the Magic Manor, I usually hole up in my room alone. It's not much different from that.

Shino: That's not true. Living in a forest and living at the Magic Manor is totally different.

Faust: The time I use to take care of myself just becomes my priority. I wake up at dawn and draw drinking water...

I wash my face, secure food for myself, and then clean, mend things, or do some woodwork, and while I'm taking a small break, the day ends.

And then, I make myself dinner, eat it, and sleep. If I had work as a maledictor, I would do it then.

Path A: Ask about clothes.

Akira: Where did you buy your clothes?

Faust: I'm not particular about what I wear. There's a small village at the foot of the mountain, so I would usually buy just the cloth and make the clothes with magic.

Heathcliff: So the clothes that you always wear were made by you, Master Faust... Maybe it was because of the way you dressed, but it was a little hard to approach you at first.

Faust: It's befitting of a maledictor, isn't it.

Heathcliff: Yes, I... suppose... But after I started learning from you, I think I started to feel like you were actually different from the impression you leave.

I'd love to see you wearing a cheerful outfit someday.

(End of Path A)

Path B: Ask about food.

Akira: What did you do about food?

Nero: I saw that you have a small garden behind your house. There are a lot of herbs, mushrooms, and tree fruit around here too, so I'm assumin' you weren't troubled for food, right?

Faust: You sure are observant...

Nero: Did you make sure to eat fish and meat?

Faust: There are fish in the river. Turtledoves and the like, too.

Nero: Ahaha, sounds like a total feast. In the end, your strength to survive's pretty strong. I like that part of you.

(End of Path B)

Path C: Ask about his home.

Akira: The inside of your house was simple and pretty, too... As far as I could see, it didn't seem to suit a maledictor, but...

Shino: There was a lot of cursing tools. They were on the shelf. Hey, make your bed bigger or put another one down.

Faust: What? What for?

Shino: Let's all come here together and stay the night. I heard that the Western guys go to Shylock's bar a lot. I wanted a hideaway for us, too.

Faust: Don't decide on your own that someone else's home is your gathering spot.

Shino: What's wrong with that? I've already decided I like this valley and your house.





Impressions of Faust (1):


Shino: Around the time when I first met Faust, I thought that he was a guy who got angry over every little thing, saying, "You can't do this" and "You can't do that."

But ever since we started training, he's showed us examples for everything, and his way of teaching is good and easy to follow.

His magic is strong, and I like how you can tell he has real ability. He's not just being strict, you're naturally able to feel like if he says it, it's true.

Akira: When you came to the Magic Manor, it was the first time you were properly taught magic, right?

Shino: Yeah. It was because me and Heath's previous teacher was basically useless with magic.

Everything I've done up until now based on intuition and feeling actually has a proper logic and setup behind it. How to use your power, the ideal state of your heart, the reason behind this mysterious power...

Akira: Does that mean magic has a learning curve, too?

Shino: Yeah. It's the same for exercising. Depending on what you're training, where you focus and what you do is different.

He wants to do everything properly and in order, so  it's kind of aggravating, though. He makes us review stuff we've already done so many times.

Akira: Ahaha. So Faust's lessons are the type to hammer in the basics.

Shino: At first, I thought that I didn't need a teacher, but now I think that my teacher's the best.

I don't want him to lose to Oz, the twins, Figaro, or Shylock, and if they ever have a showdown, I'll support him with my life.

Akira: A showdown... Allies wouldn't contend with each other, right?

Shino: Maybe. But I kinda want to try it.

Akira: (Sometimes Shino thinks like a strong rhinoceros beetle when it comes to the people he's close to...) (Note 2)





Impressions of Faust (2):


Akira: Heathcliff, you've known Faust from even before everyone started living at the Magic Manor together.

What do you think of Faust?

Heathcliff: Master Faust is the one I owe my life to. Of course, that's in part to him covering for me during the fight against thee "Great Calamity" but...

I think there will be many times in the long life ahead of me that I'll be saved by the knowledge Master Faust taught me.

I'm grateful to him from the bottom of my heart.

Akira: Was he kind-hearted even when you two first met?

Heathcliff: Yes. At first, I did think that he was a little bit of a scary person, but... He was kind.

He reached out to me because he couldn't stand to see my previous mentor's arrogant attitude. At that time, he taught me about incantations and magical items.

After that, I no longer had to be under me mentor's thumb. When I used a proper incantation, I was stronger.

Akira: Then, you've been helped by Faust ever since then.

Heathcliff: Yes... That's exactly right.

Since I was born as a noble, I've had a lot of home tutors ever since I was a child, and I've been taught a lot of things by them, but...

Master Faust is the best teacher out of all of them.





Impressions of Faust (3):


Akira: Nero, from your point of view, what kind of impression does Faust leave?

Nero: Faust, huh...

He had the atmosphere of dislikin' people like I do, so I figured I'd try not to trouble him, but...

Surprisingly, he's more efficient, or more put-together than you'd think.

Akira: That's true. Faust says that he's a shut-in, but he's reliable, and he does everything by himself.

Nero: Yep. He's got a mature attitude, and he's comfortable and easy to be around. We drink together sometimes.

Akira: When you two are drinking together, what do you talk about?

Nero: Haha, we both don't talk much...

"How's it been recently?" and "Today this happened." Small talk like that.

But somehow, it makes me relax.

Akira: Thank goodness... I'm happy you two have a good relationship.

Nero: Dunno how to put it, but it's like, after livin' this long, I didn't think I'd be able to make a new friend.

But turns out it is somethin' that can happen.

Akira: ...

Nero: Ah... that right there was kinda embarrassin', huh...

Keep it a secret from Faust.





Impressions of Faust (4):


Akira: Lennox, you've known Faust for a long time. What was Faust like in the past?

Lennox: Master Faust has not changed in the slightest.

At first, I only knew his name. I heard that he was a revolutionary wizard who had joined forces with humans.

Though it's rude, until I met him, I imagined him as a dangerous person who had youthful hot-bloodedness and was leading an army while riding the momentum of talking big...

Akira: Was your prediction wrong?

Lennox: Yes. He was dignified and very serious, but he was also the type of person that was flexible enough to lend an ear to anyone.

However, perhaps because we met when he was tense all the time, I didn't think he was the type of person to smile very much...

He thought about things seriously and puzzled over them, and he would attend the meetings. But he was still young, so he was honestly hurt by the methods the adults used.

I stayed by his side with feelings of watching over him, but one day when he was less stressed, he laughed at someone's joke.

It was such a surprisingly carefree smile that before I knew it, I'd said, "Master Faust, so you smile, too"...

Akira: You said that to him? What did Faust say?

Lennox: His eyes widened, and then, with a little pout, he said, "I didn't think YOU would say that to me."

Akira: Ahaha!

Lennox: All of us laughed hard, too. That was the first time the two of us laughed together.

Even now, I can still remember what that smile looked like.





Impressions of Faust (5):


Akira: Figaro, you've been acquainted with Faust for a while, right? What do you think of Faust?

Figaro: Hmm, it's going to take a while to talk about, but would you be willing to listen to everything? It'll take all night, so let's talk while drinking.

Akira: ... Let's just talk about important points today...

Path A: About the first time you two met.

Figaro: I'd heard about Faust through rumors. "A revolutionary? What kind of show-off's come to beg me to teach him" is what I was thinking...

But he was honest, serious, young and easy on the eyes, fairly strong, and he was a famous person who could flourish in those times. "Ah, how nice," I thought to myself.

Akira: So that's why you accepted him as your disciple... Up until then, did no one else ask you to teach them magic?

Figaro: People did ask. It was true I'd be going out of my way to teach them, but there's also that you'd want to teach for a reason.

Even if they say they want to become stronger, you know? It seems kinda meaningless to teach my student even when I know they won't be stronger than Oz.

It was the first time anyone ever told me, "I want to make the world a better place, so please teach me about magic." I was so happy that I went to go tell Oz.

(End of Path A)

Path B: About when you didn't see him anymore.

Figaro: For a while after I left the revolutionary army, I purposefully made sure I didn't hear any information about Faust or the Central Country.

Akira: Figaro...

Figaro: I didn't want to know about all the glorious stories involving Faust and the revolutionary army after I was gone.

But even then, when I heard that he'd become a maledictor, I was worried. I thought for sure he was living in some shabby, filthy place.

I imagined him with dirty hair and clad in dirty clothes, laughing like "Mwahaha..." I was filled with despair, and I was really sad, but.

When I saw him again, he was like that, you know? And when I came to his hiding place, it's like this, you know?

"You're actually completely the same as before!" I thought to myself. I was really happy.

(End of Path B)

Path C: About when you two reunited.

Figaro: You're going to ask that already?

Well, it's fine. It might be that the current Faust is less boring than the one from the past.

He's not as boring, but I was fond of the old Faust too, so part of me wants him to come back, but...

Rather than simply wanting him to come back, I think it's more like, "How about you stop doing things that aren't like you?" You understand what I'm saying too, right?

Akira: Yes... I think. It's sort of like, I can't really imagine that he's actually a bad person...

Figaro: Yep, that's right. He's not the type to curse someone and be happy about it. I think he's pushing himself.

(End of Path C)

Akira: He was a disciple that you treasured in your own way...

Figaro: Of course. It's not like I even accepted him as my disciple right away. It was more like, "Can you withstand my training?"

He came to my house with Leno, and I took just him for an entire year and was pretty harsh on him.

But he managed to keep up. I liked that he surprisingly had a lot of spirit, had high ambitions, was beautiful, had a cute side...

While thinking this might be destiny, I went all out and continued training him for a while. But when we joined up with the army, I ended up being a customer.

Before he could tell me, "Thank you very much, please come again," I went home.





A Dangerous Place:


Suddenly, without warning, a wind gusts through, and the fallen leaves around us float into the air.

Akira: W-Whoa...! W-What's going on...!?

Arthur: Somehow... It feels like I'm being rejected by the spirits of this land.

Akira: Huh, you are, Arthur!?

Arthur: Most likely... I will try to reason with them.

The strong wind gathers the leaves in the air. The mass of leaves begin to look like a terrifying form of a person's face.

The forest rustles noisily. Arthur, who had been watching everything intently, stretches his hand out to the sinister presence.

Arthur: Please calm yourselves. I am not someone who will threaten all of you. I am...

Faust: ... Fool!

*slap*

Akira: The fallen leaves returned to where they were before...! It seems like the terrifying presence is gone, too...?

Faust: You could tell that it was dangerous just by looking at it! Why are you always...!

... Ah... I'm sorry, in the spur of the moment, I...

Arthur: ... Just now Faust? Slapped? Me?

Faust: Hey... don't make a face like you've just been slapped for the first time in your life. You're going to make me feel guiltier.

Arthur: That was the first time I've been slapped in my life. Master Oz and the people at the castle never scolded me like that...

Faust: Wha... You're joking, right?

... No, setting aside that I was panicking, I'm the one at fault. Please don't tell Oz.

Arthur: No, it felt kind of fresh and new! Thank you, Faust.

Akira: (That movement looked like Faust ran in without thinking because he looks like his old friend...) (Note 3)





Discovery at the Spot:


Shino: Sage, take a look at this.

Akira: Whoa... A big flower that's so red it looks poisonous...

Shino: It looks strong and pretty. I wanna show Heath and the Lady.

But when I try to pick it, the air gets really nasty.

Akira: The air gets nasty?

Shino: It feels like the spirits are saying, "Don't pick this." They're not actually speaking, but I can feel that kind of air. But...

I'm higher-up than some spirit.

Akira: ...? I feel like the temperature in the forest suddenly dropped...

Shino: Sage.

You think that if I pick this flower, something bad will happen, right?

Akira: Yes.

Shino: I think so, too.

I don't know what to do... If there's some kind of misfortune attached  to this flower, I might cause trouble for the Lady when I show it to her.

Akira: If you don't know what to do, what about not doing anything!? Or, at the very least, ask Faust for advice first?

Shino: Oh, you're right.

I'll take it to Faust, and if it's dangerous, I'll just have him purify it. Just the suggestion I'd expect from you, Sage. --Alright.

Akira: Th-That's not what I meant...!

Shino: "Matzzah Sudippas"!





Impressions of the Spot (1):


Shino: Sherwood Forest is completely level, but this forest has mountains and valleys, so it's interesting.

I've never really visited a mountain before, but the visibility's bad, and it seems like it'd be easy for people and animals to hide. Seems hard to supervise.

Akira: Is it considerably different from the forest where you were born, Shino?

Shino: It's totally different. There's a bunch of creatures here that I've never seen before. There are a lot of different types of bugs and plants too, so it's fun.

There are a lot of spirits around, so their presence is noisy. They don't calm down and buzz for attention. If I were to stay overnight, I'm sure I wouldn't be able to take it easy.

To me, this place doesn't seem like where you'd want to go to hole up and be alone.

Akira: So you think their presence is noisy... True, even I, without magic powers, thought this place was buzzing with energy.

Shino: Maybe if you get used to the land, then they'll stop bugging you. I can feel the overflow of magical power, so it seems like if you get close to the spirits, you'll be able to use strong magic.

I wanna catch a thug that's run away to heree, or search for something.

Akira: (... True, right now he kind of reminds me of a cat that's about to spring on its prey...)

Shino: Hm? Did you hear something just now?

I'm gonna go check it out.

Akira: Ah! Shino! Please don't go too far! Shino...!





Impressions of the Spot (2):


Nero: Hmm... Somehow, this place seems to have "wizard" written all over it.

Akira: Is that so?

Nero: Ya don't think so?

I kinda prefer places with more people around... No matter what.

I'm sure it's a lot easier to live in a place like this, though. But in the end, if I make food, I can't help but want someone else to eat it, so...

Akira: True, I think it would be a little bit of a waste if you were the only one who could eat your food, Nero.

Nero: You're a nice person. Well, my preferences might be like that 'cuz I lived in a group when I was younger.

Akira: But isn't it the same for Faust? I heard that he lived with many other people when he was in the revolutionary army.

Nero: He's got himself, ya see. Whether he's surrounded by people or living as a recluse in a deserted valley, that won't change.

He probably wakes up in the morning, decides what he's gonna do that day, goes about his day, and goes to sleep satisfied.

... If I were to do the same thing, I'd be kinda lonely.

I probably prefer lookin' after someone else rather than lookin' after myself.





Impressions of the Spot (3):


Figaro: I'm glad that the land here is kind to Faust. There are a lot of spirits, but I can tell that they like that kid.

Akira: The land can be kind to you?

Figaro: That's right. The land's spirits take a liking to you and treat you kindly, and that's how you become a wizard of that land. The Southern spirits like me, too.

He's always been serious and kind, and he's the type that works hard slowly but surely, so I'm sure that's why the Eastern spirits have accepted him.

Akira: Then, does that mean you're welcomed too, Figaro? Southern wizards also have kind temperaments, in my opinion...

Figaro: Hmm... I think the spirits here know that, in the end, I'll side with humans.

Faust would probably side with the spirits and defend this land, but for me, you know, I don't have those same feelings right now.

I feel like the spirits here have figured out that if humans came to me and said they want to claim this land, I'd say, "Sure, okay."

Akira: I see... If you don't get along with a land's spirits, does that mean you aren't able to use your full power there?

Figaro: It's not so extreme that you can't use it, but I guess it's more like it's harder to do it? Kind of like you're up to your knees in water.

But I think it's nice. This valley, and the Faust who lives in this valley.

Akira: By "nice," do you mean that you're envious?

Figaro: Yeah. Because I'd definitely be lonely. I wouldn't be able to stand living in a place like this all alone.

But he was able to withstand the solitude of this valley and was actually healed by it.

It seems like when Faust was living here alone, he wasn't that unhappy, don't you think? That sort of thing, I think it's nice.

It's like this place is a sanatorium that's fit for him.





Impressions of the Spot (4):


Lennox: This medicinal herb is used in painkillers. It's a type that you can't find in the Southern Country...

How nostalgic. In the past, whenever someone would get injured, Master Faust would often brew these into medicine.

Path A:

Akira: For your old comrades in the revolutionary army?

Lennox: Yes. Master Alec in particular got injured often, so Master Faust would usually scold him while treating him.

Akira: Mister Alec was Faust's childhood friend, right. What sort of person was he?

Lennox: Let's see... He was valiant and innocent like Prince Arthur, and he was ambitious and quick-thinking like Shino...

He was also a resourceful and tactical person like Lord Figaro and Bradley. He was strong at psychological warfare, as well.

Akira: ... He sounds like he was a really high-spec person, you know...?

Lennox: He was a person who established an entire country, after all... But at his roots, he still had the danger of being naive and a bit of a romantic.

It seemed like he truly believed up until halfway through the war that after the revolution, he and Master Faust would go home to their village together and live out their days in peace.

(End of Path A)

Path B:

Akira: Did you receive treatment too, Lennox?

Lennox: Yes, of course. During the war, I was injured many times. Master Faust's medicine worked very well.

He said that he was taught by his mother and grandmother.

Akira: So he didn't heal everyone with magic like he does now.

Lennox: Not until Lord Figaro joined, no. We gathered everyone's knowledge and got by using weak healing magic and medicine.

When Lord Figaro joined the army and Master Faust became able to heal people with magic, a lot of our comrades' lives were saved.

(End of Path B)

Akira: Is that so...

Lennox: ... This is a bit of a lonely place.

The only Master Faust I knew was the one who was always surrounded by people who admired him. That's why...

The fact that he wasn't pretending to be someone else in a town and that he really was all alone inside this forest... I can't help but feel sad about that.





A Fun Place:


Rustica: Oh my. This is...

Akira: ... Whoa, amazing! That red mushroom likes like it could be from a picture book.

Rustica: Its appearance is lovely; however, this mushroom is poisonous.

Akira: It definitely seems like it'd be.

Rustica: However, it also serves as a mark for the fairies' dance party. See, it's growing in a circle.

If you go around the outside of this circle and dance, you'll be able to join the fairies' dance.

After Rustica made his right hand glow, an instrument like a wooden flute appeared.

As if in response to his magic, the trees start to rustle noisily.

Akira: By "join" you mean... Is it possible that I'll be able to see the fairies, too?

Rustica: Yes, that's correct. Previously, you told me that you would like to see them. I'll play the music, so Master Sage, please dance.

Akira: D-Dance!? The only dance I know how to do is a Bon dance, but...

Rustica: How wonderful! A dance from a different world. Fairies are full of curiosity, so I'm sure they'll all be thrilled.

First, circle clockwise three times.

Akira: (Th... This is totally unreasonable, but... But I want to see the fairies...!!)

He~y! Ri~ght, left, clap, clap, clap. For~ward, for~ward, clap, clap, clap.

*Flash, sparkle*





Spot Specialty:


Heathcliff: Ah, storm salt...!

Suddenly, Heathcliff says that in a small voice. Something sparkles like glitter from the spot between the trees that he points at.

Akira: Is that... a small tornado? Is it a tornado that shines?

Heathcliff: That's storm salt. It's a type of salt that moves like a sandstorm. ... Ah, I'm going to lose track of it.

Master Sage, may I chase after it? Nero wanted some, but I don't think I have time to call him...

Akira: G-Go ahead!

Heathcliff: Storm salt moves toward the north, so if you put it in a bottle, you can check cardinal directions, and it's used in protective amulets and detecting danger.

Shino would carry some with him when he would guard thee forest. It's salt, so you can use it in cooking too, of course.

Akira: It's pretty amazing that you can gather salt in the mountains, isn't it!? Is it maybe an uncommon type?

Heathcliff: Yes, that's right. The one we're chasing is moving in a southern pattern, which is very rare...

I think I can catch it... "Repsevai Vulp Sunos"!

After Heathcliff chants his incantation, a bottle with a lid appears.

Akira: How will you catch it?

Heathcliff: If you jump into it and hold the bottle up, it'll fill up on its own. I'm going to go get some!

Akira: Please be careful...!

Heathcliff: It's alright, it's not danger... h... Ow, owowow, it stings...! ... Ahh, ahh, salty...!

Akira: Heath...!

(It's a natural salt rub...! But if Heath gets all scratched up, won't Shino be worried...!?)





Faust's Reputation:


Nero: Huh. Seems like Teach's pretty liked by the spirits around here.

Akira: How do you conclude whether you're liked or disliked by spirits?

Nero: If you're a wizard, it's easier for you to use magic. It kinda feels like it's easier to breathe, or like your body feels lighter.

Here, probably 'cuz we're acquaintances of Faust, we're welcomed, too.

They were on guard at first, but it feels like they've gotten more and more used to us.

Akira: I see...

Nero: Other than that, let's see. Types of spirits that usually don't go near people appear here, or they hang out around his house.

The types that don't like curses, too. Those ones would usually never come back if you useed cursing magic...

If they disappear when Faust's usin' a cursing technique and still come back afterward, they probably must like 'im a lot.

Akira: I see. Is there some kind of technique to getting spirits to like you?

Nero: This valley's spirits' dispositions are particularly like the Eastern Country's in general, so they like guys like Faust who don't interfere too much and use magic that's considerate.

If it were Northern and Central wizard, they use magic in a more employing way, though.

Akira: What does that mean...?

Nero: Ahh, 's hard to understand, right. Like for example, Central spirits like to make the wizard the leader and join forces with them. They like workin' as master/servant.

Northern spirits have the same personality as Northern wizards. They only obey guys stronger than then, and if they see an opening, they'ree quick to bare their fangs.

Faust probably used magic that matched as much as possible with the disposition of this valley. That sorta kind-hearted thing's probably good for his rep.















Note 1: There's no subject in this sentence, so it's unclear what, exactly, Faust thinks blessed him. There are magical creatures in this world as well, which is why I decided to use "someone or something" because it's not necessarily true that another wizard cast the spell on him.

Note 2: I don't know enough about rhinoceros beetles to comment on this phrase, but I assume it's something similar to him wanting to... show them off? Be proud of them? Fight over which is better (and he thinks his "x object/person" is better)?

Note 3: Okay, so I want to explain that you can interpret this sentence in two different ways based on something, which is "ツッコんじゃった." Unless I'm wildly misunderstanding my knowledge of Japanese, this can either mean he A) ran in or B) tsukkomi'd Arthur. Unfortunately, I'm not going to explain the whole "tsukkomi/boke" thing because I'm trying to keep this as short as possible, and there are other better explanations than me out there. I picked path A where I interpret it as Faust running in to help Arthur because he looks like Alec, but should it be path B, then it would be something like, "(That movement looked like Faust scolded him without thinking because he looks like his old friend...)" The reason behind this wording is because the "tsukkomi" that Faust is doing in this case is the scolding he does after he slaps him and starts yelling at him (like Arthur's actually Alec). The reason why I interpret it as A even though both make sense is because the "movement" Akira refers to doesn't make as much sense in path B,  unless you want to count the slap, which you technically can? Anyway, Japanese is a vague language, so you guys can pick whichever interpretation you want, I just wanted to let you know that there's another interpretation here, unless, like I said, I'm wildly misunderstanding my knowledge of Japanese. The reason why I never actually mentioned this until now is because of this wall of text you see right here as I try to explain my understanding like a mad scientist running on 0 sleep. I've been planning on just putting it in a note here, sorry it got so long.