A Gentle Artisan

Raid Event: Skyborne Spectacle

Prologue

A Gentle Artisan

Next Quest

To the Dragon-Vein Spring

Summary

After a dream, the prince visits the town of Peng Lai. On the way, the party meets Su Fang, a distraught pyroblossom firework technician who is unable to craft more explosives due to an incident at a nearby dragon-vein spring. Afterward, the party decides to investigate.

Dialogue

You who hears my voice... You who hears my voice... I beseech you, grant my request... Crisis comes to the town of Peng Lai. Left unchecked, this danger may grow to menace the world entire. I request aid...to save the village... and the very world itself... *gasp* W-was that a dream?! It was so vivid... The town of Peng Lai... We oughta be rollin' into this Peng Lai place any time now. I'm sorry to drag you all so far out here for what was probably just a normal, everyday dream, but... We cannot simply dismiss a possible augury if the world itself is at risk. Cleo gets it! We're here 'cause we care, so stop with the apologizin' already. Hmm? What was that? The sky just lit up like a sunrise! And if I'm not mistaken, someone is firing off projectiles from the ground. Interesting. Let's go take a look. Hmm... Just as I suspected, the coloration and power are completely insufficient. That guy's got a bunch of tube-looking... um...tubes all lying around him. You think he's the one firing stuff off? Seems that way. ...Hey! Fella! Y-yes? What is it? Er, I'm sorry if we startled you. We're just curious what you're doing. I was testing out prototype pyroblossoms. Pyro-whatsits? Pyroblossoms. They are devices that shoot into the sky and explode into a flower-like blaze. They are a specialty of my hometown, Peng Lai. Pyroblossom Technician: Su Fang Well, ain't this fortunate—we're tryin' to REACH Peng Lai! Mind showin' us the way? Yes, of course! Please follow me. Peng Lai This place is TOTALLY RAD! It's like we've stepped into a town from a completely different nation. Ah, this must be your first time in Peng Lai. It was built a century ago by people who came here from the eastern land of Taiwu. As a result, the town's appearance and culture are all modeled after Taiwu. Look at the decorations! And food carts! And souvenir stands! Aaaaugh! It almost feels as if they are preparing for some manner of festival. You have quite the sharp eye, miss. We're actually preparing for our annual festival to celebrate the new year. Er, I think you guys are a little late. Ah, yes. You see, just as in Taiwu, this village runs on a different calendar from the rest of Alberia. We are roughly a month behind where you are. The new year we celebrate at this time is called the Lunar New Year. We also observe your Alberian celebration, but the Lunar New Year is much more important in this village. Wait, so you get TWO New Year's parties? LUCKY! I WANNA LIVE HEEEERE! Heh. While I cannot speak to that, you're welcome to stay here and enjoy the festivities. In fact, I have an idea. To commemorate your coming to Peng Lai, let me treat you to some spring rolls from that cart. They are to die for, I assure you. Ho there, Su Fang. You're just in time to taste my latest and greatest recipe, if you would be so kind. It would be my pleasure. Would the rest of you like to try some as well? Is that even a real question? Gimme! *munch* They're quite *munch* *munch* de—*munch*—licious. Su Fang, I tried changing up the decoration on the lanterns. What do you think? Why, what splendid craftsmanship! They will make our town even more lovely. Try my new food as well, Su Fang! My, this also looks delicious. It certainly seems like the people here all count on you, Su Fang. Oh, it's nothing quite so important as that. I just want the Lunar New Year to be fun and exciting for everyone, so I have a hand in various planning matters. Don't be so modest! The jewel of the Lunar New Year is your pyroblossom display—we're really looking forward to it! Er, yes. Just...leave it to me. ...... ...... Is something wrong? N-no. It's nothing. THERE you are, Su Fang. Ah, Xiao Lei. What's the matter? Arithmetician of Peng Lai: Xiao Lei Weren't you the one who requested that I undertake an investigation? Ah, yes. So I did. Apologies. Have you learned anything? I'll get right to the point: It will be impossible to make your usual pyroblossoms this year. WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA! Ack! What's with the shouting? Don't say that kind of thing so loudly! What if someone were to hear you?! Facts are facts, whether you hide them or not. But everyone will be so disappointed! Er, Su Fang? Oh, um... This... Well, I... Don't worry—we ain't gonna say squat about yer little problem. In fact, I'm bettin' we'll help ya out! That's right! Heck, we actually came here in the first place because we were warned to do so in some spooky dream. Then you came here to...save us? It's nothing so grand as that, but if there's anything we can do to help, we will. I don't fully understand, but what's the harm in telling them? I don't think things can get any worse than they are now. In that case...will you hear me out? The manufacture of pyroblossoms requires an infusion of mana. Said mana causes them to rocket up and erupt into massive, flower-like shapes in the night sky. We technicians create these displays by manipulating the mana from nearby dragon-vein springs and guiding it into the pyroblossom. Dragon-vein spring? That is what they are called both here and in Taiwu—though you likely refer to them as mana founts. Mana founts are notoriously tricky things. You must have great skill indeed to be able to control such a flow. Not enough, I fear, for I am currently unable to infuse this year's supply of pyroblossoms with mana. And why not? The dragon-vein spring near Peng Lai has stopped flowing. I didn't know that was possible! Apparently so—although I haven't actually seen it for myself. It's merely a conclusion based on a number of measurements. There yet remains a weak flow of mana, but even that will stop soon if something isn't done. Which might be the danger that Euden dreamed about. What?! Mana founts are special places—one could even call them the source of life itself. The very idea of one drying up is nearly unthinkable in normal circumstances. Then it looks like we need to start an investigation. Wait! You must take me with you, please! I cannot simply stand by and do nothing after hearing the town could be in danger. And I wish to come as well. You will need a guide to the dragon-vein spring if nothing else. We'd be happy to have you both. Now come on, everybody!