Sylas/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

Will you give the power of aromatics a try?

On Entering a Room

The aroma of the battlefield, let me hear.

When Quest Begins

Let us be off.

Do you have everything you need?

Response to Beginning of a Quest

Understood. Don't get sloppy.

I am ready to depart.

When Controlling Character in Quest

I shall follow the flow of battle.

When Receiving a Heal

Much appreciated.

I am in your debt.

When Entering a Boss' Room

Let us end this.

The enemy is strong, but my will is stronger.

Response to Entering a Boss' Room

Yes, let us wrap this up quickly.

We cannot lose.

Upon Getting to Low Health

This does not look good...

I must pull myself together...

Upon Opening a Chest

Any medicinal herbs?

All treasure has a very specific aroma.

Boss on Low Health

Don't drop your guard—not when we're so near the end.

It's about to fall!

Boss Enters Break State

Seize this chance!

I see an opening!

Rare Enemy Spawns

What a fascinating enemy. Let us investigate.

Is this some sort of mutation?

Upon Death

N-no... My research is unfinished!

So this is death's aroma...

Player Uses Damaging Skill

You surprise me.

That was quite the skill.

When Shape Shifting is Ready

I feel the fire inside...

I shall shapeshift and clear a path!

Shape Shifting into Dragon

Hear the dragon's call!

Idle During Quest

Here. This scent should prove most relaxing.

Are there any fragrant herbs around here?

Quest Clear

Victory is among my favorite aromas.

Quest Failure

No, I'm better than this.

Home Screen Walking

There are herbs to be burnt this day.

Where can I find some candles?

I need better tools for my research.

I should ready my mortar and pestle.

I need to collate my research results.

I have come up with a new aromatic. Smell!

Home Screen Inside

...My hair is ruffled? I-I fear I pay little mind to such things. ...Uh, but sh-SHOULD I?

The Mistholt is a treasure trove of precious herbs. Perhaps the mist itself is the reason for this.

Pranks are a thing for children...unless you are a certain someone!

I've always preferred viewing flowers to hunting prey.

I like strawberries more than apples. The slight sourness is refreshing.

Might I plant some herbs in the castle garden?

Home Screen Portrait

I shall create an aromatic that heals illness. This is no fantasy, I assure you.

I train my body so that I might seek herbs in the harshest of environments.

Even among children of the forest, my botanical knowledge is outstanding.

Luca's Chuckleberry smoke bomb takes me back. He made many such items when we were young.

Whatever happens, I keep my eyes on the future alongside trustworthy friends.

Collection Portrait

Horseries! I can only imagine what it's like to have such an absurd sibling.

As a child, I got into much trouble thanks to Luca and his schemes.

I'm often shocked by Luca's reckless nature, but that kind of decisiveness might be just what I need.

Laranoa might seem wild, but she's quite levelheaded. That said, I would love it if she would stop body-slamming me.

If I give you a treat, will you leave me alone to continue my research?

At The Halidom

Shall I give you an aromatic as a gift?

I'll lend a hand in the garden if you like.

Perhaps I should speak to other researchers.

Upon unlocking new mana node

The aroma of memory guides me to greater height!

Upon fully unbound mana circle

No more tears, I'll work along with him and grow into a greater man

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

An Ideal Place

So this is the Mistholt I've heard such tales about. I can scarce believe so many rare plants grow here. It's a veritable treasure trove of herbs and the like; I'm truly jealous that Luca gets to live here. Crap! Crap crap craaaaap! Gotta hide, gotta... Muh? Sylas? Is that you? *poke* Hey, it IS you! I will thank you not to poke me, Luca. And I see you are the same as ever. Hey, so long story short here, I'm gonna hide up in that tree while you try to trick my sister. Okay? Okay! Hnnngh! I'm certain I have no idea what you are talking about. Where are you, you blockhead?! ...Whoa! Sylas! Hello, Sarisse. Do you need something? Just to find and murder my brick-stupid brother for eating all my apples again. I went to teach him a lesson but good, and the jerk took off on me! *sigh* I see. Do you know where he scuttled off to? I'm afraid I haven't seen him. Rrrr! So annoying! By the way, Sarisse, are you familiar with the method used for catching an Alberian beetle? Err...no? Can't say I do. If one wants to capture an Alberian beetle, one needs merely to kick the tree it resides in as hard as possible to have it come tumbling to the ground. Observe! *kick* WAAAAAUUUGH! Now THIS is a rarity! Instead of a beetle, we had a Luca fall out. Gah, Sylas! BETRAYAL! I tricked her once, which seemed enough. Now then, don't you think you owe your dear sister an apology? I guess it makes sense you'd be hiding in the same place as a stupid bug. Oh, uh, Sarisse! Heeeeey, girl! Fancy running into you here! You are the biggest butthead of a brother a girl could ask for. Hiiiii-YA! I'm...s-sorry... *thud* So now that I've dealt with that little issue, what are you doing here, Sylas? I've been curious for some time as to what manner of plants grow in this area. It also seemed like a chance to visit some familiar faces. Speaking of which, I brought this aromatic as a souvenir. Ooh, is this a new one you made? Exciting! I'm gonna light it up the minute I get home. Isn't that nice, Luca? Sarisse seems to be in a much better mood. I would've been happier if you just tricked her. Uuurgh... Buuuut since you're here, you're more than welcome to come kick it at the castle. We'll have Cleo make you some tea as thanks for the aromatic. Well, assuming Cleo is all right with the arrangement, that sounds lovely. I'll lead the way. Follow me!

...So this is the Halidom, eh? The rumors do not do it justice. Yeah, we're pretty great. Don't strut around like you had anything to do with it, dope! Regardless, I know a little something you're just gonna LOVE. Come with me! Is this...a vegetable garden?! In the castle courtyard?! Sure is! Veggies, fruits, weird plants— you name it, we grow it. Hello, Luca. And you as well, Sarisse. If I'm not mistaken, the person currently accompanying you is... That's my buddy, Sylas. What're you two up to? Picking rosemary for herbal tea. You cultivate edible herbs? Delightful! If it's acceptable, I'd like to take a look. Fine by me. I'm also cultivating other rare medicinal herbs, if that's something that holds your interest. It does indeed! Sooo...rain check on the tea, then? Yes, yes. We'll do that later. He's gone gaga for gardening. Ha! He's just as tunnel-visioned about that stuff as he was back in the day. I had him pegged as a level-headed type, but he might have more Luca in him than I first suspected. Huh, you think so? Oh, say, can you bring tea for three to my room later? Very well. I'll brew something excellent with the herbs we're picking.

...This herbal tea was made with the rosemary from your garden, yes? I can taste and smell the quality of the herb, as well as the care and skill that went into tending the garden. Hahaha! Yeah, we're pretty amazing. Again, why are YOU bragging about this? Nevertheless...*sniff* Oh man, your aromatic smells sooo good, Sylas! Yeah, your smelly dealies have always made me feel oddly relaxed. Aromatics aren't just about enjoying the scent. The natural powers of plants often have a rejuvenating effect on tired bodies. However, I'd someday like to produce an aromatic that heals not only fatigue, but also the ravages of illne... Good heavens! Was that an explosion?! Oh, don't worry about that. Happens all the time around here. Probably Kleimann's lab going out of control again, or maybe one of Sinoa's experiments getting all 'splody. You have researchers here? Sure do. You're always walkin' into rooms filled with one egghead or another. Research and a garden within the walls, and a jungle of rare plants without... How's that, buddy? You kinda did a weird mumble, trail-off thing there. Luca, where is the lord of this castle now? The one called Euden. He's out exterminating fiends. Oughta be back soon, though. Well, when he returns, I would very much like to make a request of him. I'm back, everyone! ...Oh, hello, Luca. Er, did you need something? Sorry to jump on you the second you walk across the moat, but my buddy here needs to pick your brain for a few. Hey, this is your childhood friend Sylas! I'm glad you came to see us. My thanks again for your recent help, Prince, but I fear I have a rather impudent request to foist upon you. May I stay here? You want to stay in the Halidom? I have a scientific objective, you see. I aim to create a healing aromatic that cures illness as well as fatigue. To that end, I require a great number of components, including aromatic herbs, medicinal herbs, and various vegetable oils for compounding. I've been conducting my research in my village thus far, but have been unable to obtain all the components I require. However, your castle is surrounded by the Mistholt—which contains a trove of wild herbs—and your garden also boasts a rather exceptional bounty. In other words, the Halidom is the perfect environment for your research. I don't mean to lodge here free of charge, of course. Poor though it may be, I shall offer the full extent of my aid in battle. So I implore you, please allow me to conduct my research here. I, uh, implore you as well! I mean, this guy may not be as tough as me, but he's as skilled as they come. That's enough help from you, Luca. Heh. Well, you've all convinced me—not that I needed a great deal of convincing. You're more than welcome here, Sylas. I owe you my gratitude, Prince. And hey, if you need a science lackey to help out with the beakers or whatever, I'm your man! Thank you, Luca. This may open new paths forward, and even save countless lives.

Episode 2

A Phantom Scent

Sylas, can you use this flower? Yes, please collect that one as well. *sigh* I'm sorry for dragging you along just to pick plants. Actually, it's kind of fun. I appreciate you saying that, Prince. Luca, you ought follow your liege's example and work hard. Hey! I AM working hard! And yet, I recall a time long ago when you merely pretended to help while gathering mushrooms for use in some prank. You mean back when we were kids and I came to stay in your village? Aaah ha ha! Yeah, I remember that. Good times. Say, speaking of the old days, how's your grandpa doin'? He was the one who taught you all about aromatic stuff, yeah? I fear my grandfather fell victim to a grave illness and passed on some time ago. Oh, man. Sorry to hear that. It's all right. He lived a good... Hmm? Urgh... *sniffle* Wh-where am I? What's wrong, little girl? Are you all alone out here? I was picking flowers, and then... Got lost, huh? Well, she's gotta be from one of the nearby villages, so let's figure out which one and get her home. Everything's going to be all right. *sniff* Thanks, mister. I'll give you one of my yellow flowers. Why, thank you. Is it your favorite kind? My gramma likes 'em, so I'm gonna bring her a whoooole bunch! That's a very kind thought, but walking around the woods alone is dangerous. From now on, you should only gather flowers with your gramma. All right? But she can't go out in the woods 'cause she's really sick. So were these flowers a get-well present, then? ...... What is it, Sylas? ...Nothing. Let us see the child home. Oh, thank you so much for bringing my daughter home safe! We only did what anyone would do. Mama, I went to pick flowers for gramma! Did I get it right this time? Er, get it right? My mother has a treasured memory of a field of yellow flowers. I fear it's made quite the impression on my daughter. She keeps bringing her all manner of yellow flowers, but can't seem to find the exact right ones. I know gramma will feel better if she sees her special flower! And where exactly was this field located? Hmm. I believe she was traveling across the southern part of the continent... Maybe in a forest somewhere? Yellow flowers in a forest to the south... (If that's true, the child will never find the flower she seeks in this climate.) Uurgh... W-water... Please... I'm sorry, but my mother has awakened and I need to attend to her. Of course. We'll be going now. Thanks for helping me, misters! Oh, and please come tell me if you find the flower my gramma likes, okay? We shall do so at once.

Later that night... Oh man, I'm so hungry I can't even sleep! Think I'll just grab me some munchies from the ol' kitchen and... Um... Why is the light on in Sylas's room? All right, that's all the essential oils. Now to carefully begin compounding... This have something to do with that flower kid we met this afternoon? Gya! Luca! Are your knuckles broken, or were you merely too rude to knock?! I did knock! A lot, actually. You were just so wrapped up in that kid's flower business you didn't notice. Make any progress? We don't have a lot to go on, but I would surmise the flower she seeks does not bloom in this area at all. So gramma won't get to see her flower? Man, that's rough. Worry not; I have a plan that will let her experience it again all the same. Well, so long as you're burnin' the midnight oil, you might as well take this. An apple? You know I prefer strawberries. Don't push it, bud. This was all I could find in the pantry. And yet you thought to sneak off with it! Honestly, you ARE a troublemaker. However, seeing as how I am a bit peckish, I will accept your offer.

The next day, Luca and Sylas once again pay a visit to the young girl's home. Oh! Did you find gramma's flower?! Sorry, kid, but no dice. However, we DID bring somethin' else good... Mother? You have guests—and they've brought you a little surprise. *cough* Whatever could it be...? I know you seek a flower you once saw long ago, madam. Alas, though I tried, I fear I cannot provide that for you. However, I believe this aromatic could at least permit you to enjoy their scent. *sniff* Woooow! That smells goooood! Oh my! This...this smell is... I had a rough idea of the flower you saw, and replicated its scent with an aromatic. How do you find it? I can see exactly how the field looked that day... Even my husband is there! He asked for my hand in that field, and I gladly gave it to him. Oh ho ho! Yaaaay! Gramma smiled! It's been ages since I've seen my mother so lively and full of energy! I am pleased to have brought her this small joy. And with that, we will be off. Thanks, mister! Wow, Sylas. Your aromatics really helped that lady perk up. And yet, while it may have given her the strength to face her illness for a short while, it cured nothing. I must finish my healing aromatic for that poor woman's sake! Hey, so what's the deal with this healing aromatic of yours anyway? Why are you so freakin' obsessed with it? Because of my grandfather. He battled against his illness until his absolute final moment, and in doing so, suffered as no man should. Only the smell of my aromatics could grant him a moment's respite. That's when I started thinking about improving my craft. Think how much better it would be if my art could heal as well as soothe! Then no one would have to suffer as my grandfather did. Wow, man. That's some heavy stuff. But now that I've heard it, I'm gonna do whatever I can to see your dream become a reality! Oh, this is no mere dream, Luca. It is an act I will absolutely accomplish.

Episode 3

Child's Play

Rrrr! It's no use. I've tried and I've tried, but nothing produces the desired effect. How in blazes am I to create my healing aromatic? Does the problem lay in the materials? Or perhaps the ratios used during the compounding process? Hey, Sylas? We're having a fiend-slayin' meeting in the great hall. What if I were to add a medicinal herb that improves blood circulation? But no, that might cause side effects... Uh, Sylas? Tch! What am I to DO?! Knock knock! You got dirt in your ears or somethin'? Cease your senseless prattling and stop interrupting me, you fool! Uh, right. Well, we're having a meeting, and Euden wants you. Ah. Apologies. I'll be along presently. Man, he's really been on edge lately. He also dropped the ball a bunch during that fight the other day.

Laranoa: childhood friend of Luca and Sylas.

He must be impatient 'cause his research isn't goin' so hot. Yeah, he's never exactly been good at "chilling out." It's gotta be driving him mega-bonkers to run up against a problem he can't solve. That guy really is somethin' else. But on that note, I wanted to run an idea past you, Laranoa. Funny you should say that, Luca; I've been thinking up an idea of my own. Grrrrrr! Another failure! What is the cause, damn it?! Where have I gone wrong?! I'll never be able to create my healing aromatic at this rate! Sylas, we're goin' crayfishing! C'mon! I beg your pardon? Remember how we used to compete to see which of us could haul in the biggest catch back in the day? Well, I was chattin' with Luca and got a sudden urge to try my luck again. C'mon, let's reclaim a little childish innocence and have some fun! Did you ever actually LOSE any of your childishness? And in any case, I'm quite busy with my research at the moment. Laranoa, go right! I'll grab from the left! Roger that, bud! Remove your hands from me at once! You're comin' to the lake with us, pal. Hands off, I say! ...Urggaaaahh! I'm bagging crayfish hand over fist! Nya ha ha! And you're the ONLY one catchin' any! *sigh* How did I get dragged into this? I haven't the time to be wasting fishing, and yet here I sit... Whoa, Sylas! Pull your line up! Gently, now! Hmm? Oh, yes... Gently, then... Ah. I caught one. Even so, it's nothing worth celebrating. Whoa, Sylas's crayfish is waaaay bigger than mine! That's awesome! I suppose it is, now that you mention it. Gah, crap! I'm dead last here! Hey, wait... I got a bite! Nice! Now I'm just gonna... AAAAGH! Nyaaaa ha ha! It totally pinched your finger! Honestly, what ARE you doing? ...Heh. Man, Sylas caught the biggest crayfish, which makes me Queen Loser. Are you satisfied now? Might I finally return to my research? Heeeey, look what the dragon dragged in! Say, now that you're here, what say all of us play a little game? The prince is in on this too, now? *sigh* What manner of game? While you all were out fishing, we hid a treasure somewhere in the castle. And it's a DOOZY, so the three of you need to work together and hunt it down! But...my research. Hey, you can't just run off after all the trouble they went to setting this up. Only a super-jerk would just toss all their planning aside like that. Yeah, I worked SUPER hard to hide it, so you better make with the searching! Chop chop, bub! Get on it! *sigh* Very well. Then a'treasure huntin' we will go! Hey, THERE'S that darn chest! Finally! Now to crack it open and see the sweet, sweet riches contained withi.... Huh? It's just a piece of paper. There are a bunch of random letters and numbers on this thing. Unless... Oh, WAIT! It's a CODE! Oh man, I am NOT good at stuff like this. This cypher could not be more insipid. Just let me... Yes, there we have it. It tells us to "go to the kitchen." Holy snot, you solved it ALREADY?! You really are way smarter than ol' Luca over here. I must have missed the part where you solved the code and didn't tell us. Can we please just go to the kitchen? I grow weary of this nonsense. This treasure chest better actually have some treasure in it, I tell you what. I'm opening it! What the?! Smoke's coming out! WAAAAA-CHOOO! Oh no! It's one of your sneezebombs! WAAAAA-CHOOOO! I fell for one'a my own traps! WAAAAA-CHOOOO! Good thing I was standing over here out of distance from the smoke. I must say, though, the two of you made quite the faces while sneezing. Ha! Hey, is this guy LAUGHING at us?! Laranoa, you know what to do! I sure do! Wh-what do you think you're doing?! I think there's enough smoke left for ALL of us to enjoy this little party! What?! Stop! Unhand me! Don't bring me near that smo...smo... WAAAAA-CHOO!

And so, the three friends zipped around the castle, getting stumped by secret codes and tricked by traps. Until finally... Okay, I think we've cracked it for real. According to that last code, the treasure should be right here in Sylas's room. Seeing as how I solved every clue, I'm not certain your "we" is accurate. Still, why is the treasure in MY room? We'll never know until we lift the lid and do the whole "Da da da daaaaa!" thing, so let's get to it! ...Hnnnnngh! Hmm... There is a potion for alleviating fatigue, a poultice for stiff shoulders, and a cushion to reduce back strain. Stress-relieving goodies up the wazoo! You need any of this, Luca? Pffft! I'm bursting with energy all the time! Someone who works hard and gets bushed should take all this stuff. I'm full of pep and vinegar myself, so I gueeeeess that means... You can both dispense with the act. Dammit! ...He caught us. It could not have been more obvious. Did the two of you plan this whole thing? Okay, so we didn't know where the treasure was—that search was legit. But we did know WHAT it was. Do I really seem so tired that you tried to trick me into accepting these baubles? SEEM tired? You've been dead on your feet almost since you got here! And when that happens, it's up to your friends to give you a sensible gift. I'd like to tell you it's none of your business, but I suppose I have been rather at the end of my rope. And today's adventure—no matter how absurd—seems to have lifted the fog from my mind a little. So please allow me to express my gratitude. Sounds like Operation Sylas Chill Pill was a rousing success. Oh, but we have only BEGUN to fun! C'mon, what's next? Hide-and-seek? Tag? There is no need for further chicanery. Also, in the future, you don't need to worry yourselves unduly about me. ...Heh.

Episode 4

Looking Back

After a physician informs Sylas and Luca about a particular type of medicinal herb, they find themselves climbing a tall mountain in search of it. Okay, this one's GOTTA be it. And if it reacts as we were told it does, I should finally be able to finish my healing aromatic! I thought myself well-versed in wild herbs and the like, but here we are finding one I wasn't even aware of. Then let's snatch it up and beat feet home. Graaarruugh! Luca, watch out! Fiends! Gaaaaaah! How dare you! Haaaaah! Luca, are you all right?! Here, let me administer treatment for that wound. Can't believe I let a chump sneak up on me like tha—YEEEOOOOWWCH! This wound is much deeper than I thought. And we'll surely lose the sun should we attempt to go back down the mountain while you're injured like this. We'll just have to make camp here and wait for morning. Here, I found water at a nearby spring. Thanks, pal. ...Ow. If your wound pains you, I suggest rest. Love to, but I'm way too worked up to hit the hay right now. How's about we talk about old times until I finally nod off? Yes, that sounds agreeable. What should we talk about? How about that time you entered an archery competition with me and Laranoa and ended up all teary-eyed? Next. Okay, how about when the three of us went into that dark cave and you were basically on the verge of tears the entire time? Also no. Well then, how about when you and me and Laranoa met? I find that acceptable. Let me see... Goodness, how long ago was that? I know we were about half as tall as we are now. And I think it was the first time either of us attended the Vernal Banquet. I slipped off when my mom wasn't looking to check out festival stuff on my own. And that's when I met Laranoa! She'd given her folks the slip, too. I, however, had become accidentally separated from my parents and had no idea what to do with myself. But then you and Laranoa found me and decided to help. I think we just played for a few hours until our parents finally tracked us down. Man, were they ever sore... Anyway, that's what started our friendship! Every year, we'd meet up at the banquet to play and come up with pranks or whatever. The pranks were only because you two troublemakers tempted me into it. But in time, I became busy with my research and I was no longer able to leave the village. And with Laranoa working on becoming the next chief, the three of us weren't able to hang together anymore. And just when I thought that would be the end of our relationship, here we find ourselves huddled around a fire. It has been quite the fellowship. *sniff* Hey, are you tearing up? Ha ha! I guess some things never change. ...It's time for you to sleep. I shall keep watch. Well, I'm actually getting tired, so I think I'll take you up on that. Honestly. ...Heh. Urgh... Urrrrrgh! Oh dear, I fear I fell asleep on my watch. Seems there's still some time left until daybreak, so I'll just... Huh? Luca, your wound! It's worse! I-it's nothin' I can't... Urk! Gaaah! It is NOT nothing—you're also running an incredibly high fever! I don't have the medicine to treat this; we have to get you down the mountain. Just...leave me. Save yourself. We'll both end up dead if you try to drag me all the way down this thing. I will do no such thing. C'mon, a guy as smart as you has gotta know the score. Just get out of here and leave me for the worms already. This is uncharacteristically weak-willed of you to say that. Nevertheless, the answer is still a very firm "no." You took command the day we met and dragged me into your life. Now it is MY turn to do the dragging! But Sylas, you're...not strong... I am no longer the child you seem to think I am. Now be quiet already!

Early morning, in the village at the foot of the mountains... *yawn* Huh? Who's knockin' on m'door at this fool hour? ...Huh?! Land sakes, you can barely stand! Who are you?! *wheeze* P-please... My companion... needs medical treatment... Sweet mother of mercy, lookit that wound! Please send word to the Halidom as soon as you can... I'm on it, pal! You see, Luca...? I'm...no longer the child you think I am... Hey! You all right, kid? I brought the doc! Urgh... Wh-where am I? Thank heavens you're awake, Sylas. C-Cleo? Am I back at the castle? Did you heal me? Thankfully, yes. One of the villagers came to us just in time. The rest looked after you until we arrived. Perhaps you should thank them? Indeed. But what of Luca? Er, about that... You bonehead! Injured people should shut up and ACT like injured people! Hiiii-ya! Gaaah! Sarisse, it ain't fair to attack the wounded! His wound was grave, but after I applied healing magic, he recovered all of his strength and then some. Heh. I see. What's up, sleepyhead? Awake at last? You look fit to pass back out yourself after those hits from Sarisse. Yeah, let's just leave that one alone. Anyway, I think you forgot somethin'. The herbs from the mountain... I tossed everything I was carrying in order to move you. Did you pick these up? You need 'em for your healing aromatic, yeah? I had to make sure they got home. Thank you, Luca. I should be the one thanking you. I take it you'll be gettin' back to your research the second you're recovered? And I take it you'll be assisting me? 'Course I will! We're gonna crack this nut if it's the last thing I do!

Episode 5

Onwards, Undeterred

Sylas aims to crack the secret of a healing aromatic that can also cure any illness. And one day, at long last... *pant* *pant* There you are, Luca! You must listen to me! Whoa! Why are you so out of breath? I've done it! I've finally done it! I've created my healing aromatic! Wait, seriously? It finally came together a short while ago thanks to those herbs we picked. Ha ha! That's awesome, Sylas! You're gonna save tons of lives! It is a bit soon to go that far. While it is done in theory, there is still an extended period of trials to run through. Before it can reliably cure illnesses, I must subject it to a battery of tests to ensure the effects are both reproducible and based on sound science. Sylas? You have a guest. I'm not expecting anyone... Ah! It's the girl that was lost in the woods. Mister, you gotta help my gramma! Did somethin' happen? She's sick and getting sicker, and she's hurting real bad! She's been groaning a bunch, and I'm worried she's going... Going to... Waaaaaah! If she's that far gone, I'm not certain there is anything I can do for her. Why not go see her and bring your new healing aromatic? I told you, I've yet to confirm its efficacy— to say nothing of any unforeseen side effects that might occur. But there's no guarantee it WON'T work. Plus, if what this kid is saying is true, it probably can't hurt to try. Better to try and fail in a case like this than to just stand around and not do anything at all. But if it doesn't work... Tsk! You still get hesitant when things get down to the nitty-gritty, don't you? Why'd you bother doing all this work if you aren't even going to use it? Why did I bother...? I did this so I could cure people who suffer in the way my grandfather did. And to make sure no one would have to face the same sadness I felt. Then forget all this hesitation and just DO something already! I see. For all my worry of sadness, a crying little girl stands before me. Come, Luca! We must make haste! How are you feeling, ma'am? That wonderful scent made my breath come a bit easier. I'm stunned. The village healer told us she'd probably be gone by now. Does it hurt anymore, Gramma? You don't need to worry, child. Sylas, your healing aromatic worked! The effects do seem to be more reliable than I allowed myself to hope... In theory, if she smells the aromatic daily, it should eventually cure her illness. Gramma, did you hear that? You'll be able to go outside! I don't know how to repay you. Aw, don't worry about it. Helpin' folks is just what we do. I see you're again taking credit for the hard work of others, Luca. ...Heh. I've brought a quantity of aromatic oil. If you run low, please come to the castle for more at any time. Thanks, mister! Your grandfather would be proud of you. I hope so.

That night, the two friends held a modest celebration to honor Sylas's research. A few days later... What're you researchin' now, bud? I'm trying to broaden the range of scents in my healing aromatic. I'd like for a person to select the scent they like best—citrus, floral, or so on. You really mean business with this. Sylas? That young girl is back, and she's brought her mother. They must be low on aromatic oil. I'll be out straightaway. Misters... Thank you for waiting. I have more oil right here. No, that's all right. My mother... Well, she's passed. What?! But how could...? Your medicine gave her the strength to go outside and play with my daughter one final time, and I will never be able to thank you sufficiently for this. However, a few days ago, we discovered that she had passed on in her sleep. I...I couldn't save her. You mustn't think of it like that, sir. Thanks to your medicine, my mother's final days were ones of great tranquility. Without you, they would have been agony. That's why we came here to thank you. We are truly grateful for your kindness. Here, mister. I picked you this flower with my gramma. She really liked being able to go outside with me like we used to do. It was great! I see... ...... Can't sleep either, Sylas? No. As soon as I close my eyes, that girl's face floats into my mind. She seemed so smiling and accepting, and yet also so very lonely. Sylas, you know your aromatic was a success, right? It's because of you that the girl and her gramma got to spend a few happy hours together in the end. If you're trying to comfort me, you can save your words. I will not lose heart over this. Good. Then take that attitude and keep plugging away at your work. ...But hey, Sylas? If you're gonna throw yourself into whatever's next...just don't overdo it. ...... C'mon, spit it out. Lemme hear how you're really feeling. If you don't, you're gonna end up overdoing it like before. What I really think? I think I regret how I was unable to save that woman. I did not wish her granddaughter to suffer, even if that suffering was lessened. Furthermore, I also wished to help my grandfather, and mourn his loss even now. *sniff* I told myself I was done crying after he passed, and yet look at me now. I still can't save the people I want to save. I can't stand it! I feel pathetic! Okay. It's true you still haven't completed your goal. So take this moment to swear what you're gonna do. I'll be your witness. I...I will create an aromatic that can heal people! And that is no mere dream—it is an act I will absolutely accomplish! Ha ha! That's the spirit! And if things ever get you down, I'll be right here to keep cheerin' you on. So chin up, chum! Indeed. Right here, in this castle, I will find a way to save everyone!