A Hollow Victory

Raid Event: Kindness and Captivity

Episode 4

A Hollow Victory

Previous Quest

Hypnos Showdown/Beginner

Next Quest

Melsa's Inkling

Summary

The group puts an end to Hypnos, forcing Harle to flee and freeing the village from the Empire's grasp. However, the guardian dragon Sylvia still appears to be Harle's prisoner—but Melsa may have a clue as to where she can be found.

Dialogue

This is Melsa's village—which means we've returned from the space between worlds. Graaarrgh! Hey, the Hypnos copy disappeared! Nice. Now this IS incredible! You did battle with the true form of Hypnos and lived to tell the tale. But alas and alack for you, Hypnos remains alive and well. ...Come forth, my glorious copy! Aw, hell! Did we REALLY not kill the real one back there? If beating it once isn't enough, then we'll just use the otherworld fragment again and head back to... Uh, guys? Where'd it go? Once the power in an otherworld fragment is consumed, it disappears. Aaah ha ha! How terribly disappointing! It seems as if you've exhausted all your options. Now, Hypnos! Put an end to this miserable prince and his retinue of fools! GRAAAAGH! ...What's wrong, Hypnos? Go on! Finish them! Maybe we weakened the real Hypnos more than we thought. In that case, it may have taken every bit of strength it has left just to make the copy appear. Ah, yes. I see. Thank you for the most thorough explanation. In that case, Hypnos, I command you to withdraw for now. Soldiers, we're withdrawing as well. Convey the order. Yes, sir! The Empire is...leaving? Wait, then does that mean we...? Yep. We kicked their butts. We WON! How wonderful! ...Hmm? Whatever is the matter, Your Highness? I don't like this. Harle and his men are withdrawing far too easily. Perhaps he lost his nerve once he saw how weak Hypnos had become. More importantly, look at that... Melsa! You saved our village! Oh, I'm so happy to find you all well! Hmm... Well, I suppose we should just celebrate the victory in front of us for now. Ya got that right. And there's only one way to do it... PAAAAAARTY! ...So THIS is sylvan grub, eh? Bwa ha ha! I was expectin' bird food, but this ain't half bad. Hey, save some for the rest of us! ...Melsa? What are you doing over here all by yourself? Ah, Euden. Apologies, but I find I don't do well amidst so much hustle and bustle. Heh. I suppose our group can be a little rowdy sometimes. But is that the only reason you're alone? It looks like something's bothering you. If there's something on your mind, I hope you'll tell me and let me help. Well, in truth... I'm worried about Sylvia. I had a feeling that might be it, seeing as we haven't found her yet. And none of the villagers know anything about it. It is as if she simply vanished without a trace. It's got to be Harle's doing. Maybe he moved her to a secret location. He might be planning to use her as a hostage—which would also explain why he was so quick to withdraw. A hostage...? Hmm, yes. Perhaps. Still, until she is found, our village will not be truly free. I'm sorry, Melsa. I may have worried you unnecessarily. But if Sylvia is being help captive, we'll save her. You have my word. Thank you. That takes a little of the weight from my heart. You really are quite something, Euden. If your opponent goes low, you go high. And you hold on to hope in even the darkest of hours. Me? I'm nothing like that. That's not true at all! Sarisse! Were you spying on us?! Rude! I'm not SPYING! ...I'm just listening from way back here where you totally can't see or hear me. Look, I was worried, okay? You had this weird, serious look on your face, and then you just took off. But let's get back to this whole ＂I'm not like that＂ bit. Because you, Melsa, are the freakin' BEST. You're kind to everyone, you're attentive to their needs, and you're just a super solid person all around! I could never do that. People get on my nerves way too much. But I've always kinda wished I COULD be like that. ...Deep down, at least. ...Truly? Of course, ya dolt! I mean, look at me! I'm so crude and insensitive, it's like someone brought a fart to life. I just talk and talk and blurt stuff out without even thinking about how people might take it. Ugh! You see?! I just went and admitted that in front of Euden! I should have kept my big yap shut. That's not true at all. ...It's not? True, you may have a coarse side, but you realize and recognize it, and even have some desire to improve. I would say those are fine qualities indeed. And much as you envy me, I find myself desirous of you. How freeing it must be to simply say what you feel! Okay, this is getting embarrassing. Well then, now you know how I feel. Ha ha ha! Oh man, this is super weird. We should just magically switch lives or something and be done with it. Heh. I suppose it IS a little odd. It's good to see you smile, Melsa. And to make sure you stay happy, we need to go after Harle and Sylvia. Indeed we do. And yet... *sigh* Yes? Did you think of something? Er, no. Not exactly. ...But I might have an idea as to where this Harle character might be hiding. Er, but I'm not positive! So we don't need need to waste our time with a search if— Melsa, if you think he's hiding somewhere, then we are TOTALLY checking it out! Sarisse is right. Besides, your hunch is all we have at the moment. All right, then. Let's go. ......