Aldred/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

I'll unleash the power of wyrmbinding!

On Entering a Room

I'll show you my abominable power!

When Quest Begins

This might be our chance to take out the Syndicate!

You good to go? Don't drag your feet.

Response to Beginning of a Quest

Yeah. This feels like the Syndicate's doing.

'Course I'm ready to move.

When Controlling Character in Quest

The Syndicate is mine!

When Receiving a Heal

My bad.

I'll pay you back for that.

When Entering a Boss' Room

Time to show 'em the power of wyrmbinding!

We'll fight until we break every bone in their body.

Response to Entering a Boss' Room

Right. Let's do this.

You know it! No enemy's a match for wyrmbinding!

Upon Getting to Low Health

I won't fall that easily!

Hrk... M-my arm...

Upon Opening a Chest

Treasure? Nice.

Let's take what we can get.

Boss on Low Health

Tremble before the power of wyrmbinding!

Now's our chance for a counter-attack!

Boss Enters Break State

They're wide open—don't let this mistake go unpunished!

Strike while the iron is hot!

Rare Enemy Spawns

That's a rare one.

Hey, a rare enemy. Lucky us.

Upon Death

Not...my time to go...

I won't fall...until they do...!

Upon Revival

I'm not finished.

When Using Weapon/Shared Skills

Damage: Say hello to oblivion.

Buff Self: Tremble at my power.

Buff Ally: Show me your might!

Debuff Enemy: Your fate is sealed.

Heal Ally: I don't have time for this!

Heal Self: Power wells within me.

Player Uses Damaging Skill

You sure know your way around a fight.

Okay, that's impressive.

When Shape Shifting is Ready

Give me your power, dragon!

I'm bursting with the dragon's power!

Shape Shifting into Dragon

They will never forget the power of wyrmbinding.

Idle During Quest

A little breather doesn't sound so bad.

What? Tired already?

Quest Clear

I won't be stopped until I crush the Syndicate!

Quest Failure

Dammit, I need more control over my power!

Home Screen Walking

Did the Syndicate do this? ...WELL?!

I'm gonna hunt the Syndicate. You comin'?

Be alert for the Syndicate.

Oh, I'll find them...

This must be the work of the Syndicate...

Damn everyone from the Syndicate...

Home Screen Inside

I won't rest until those Syndicate devils are all lying in the ground!

I draw my power from a dragon using a magic called wyrmbinding.

Wyrmbinding is a curse that eats away at me— but I'll bear it if it lets me crush the Syndicate!

Gardening chills me out, but I don't want to get TOO chilled out!

Do I like cleaning? Heh... I'll wipe all trash from existence!

G-get back... My power is...out of control... Whaaa ha ha! Kidding! Oh man, your face!

Home Screen Portrait

I'll never forgive those Syndicate villains.

Destroying the Syndicate is everything to me.

Don't get close to me, or else you'll be annihilated by the dragon's power.

You take a nice guy thing way too far! Just makes more work for me!

This body of mine doesn't bother you? Not at all? You're very weird.

Collection Portrait

The Syndicate stole my family and turned me into... this! I won't stop until they all pay!

The course that chains me to this dragon is called wyrmbinding.

All I know about the dragon inside me is that it's a vicious savage beast.

Yeah, I like gardening, so what? Everybody needs a hobby.

I'll fight to make sure no one else suffers like I've suffered.

At The Halidom

Need me for somethin'?

Ngh... My arm aches...

The Syndicate...

New Mana Circle Unlocked

I need more power so I can annihilate the Syndicate!

On Mana Circle Fully Unbound

This power surpasses even the dragons!

On Promotion to 5

This power surpasses even the dragons!

Upon Maxed Out Friendship

When we work together, we're unstoppable!

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

Blinded by Anger

Prepare yourself, Prince Euden! An assassin? Here?! Who put ya up to this, punk?! I don't need to tell you anything! Die! Foul wyrmbind, show me your power! Raaaaaagh! Uraaagh! That was close. Who helped us? Hey! You're... Vessel to a Dragon
Aldred
Aldred! What brings you here? What do you think? You know I only care about the Syndicate. Ah, right... The organization that fused your body with a dragon's. What, so this goon was one'a theirs? Bingo. And they're after Euden. Looks like they've got plans to snuff you out. The Syndicate is after ME? What could that mean? I don't know. But since it's come to this, I'm going to be spending some time at the Halidom. Thank you, Aldred. You're welcome to stay as long as you like. Don't get it twisted. I just don't want you in my way while I'm out sniffing for leads. Ha! Stubborn little skid mark, ain't he? Don't get buddy-buddy with me! RGH! What is WITH him?! Whoa, Cleo! Take a breath. Who do you mean? Aldred, of course! What about him? Ha ha ha. Turns out he's one weird little dude. What happened? Did he do something at the castle? Oh, you shall see soon enough. Well, well. Speak'a the devil. Hey. Have you seen any suspicious people lurking around? Um...no? Hmph. Well, someone stole food from the stores not too long ago. Ring any bells? Huh. Beats me. Definitely wasn't your ol' pal Ranzal, at least! ...As transparent as glass, this one. If nobody knows, then it HAS to be the work of the Syndicate! What? That seems like a stretch. Tch. Where are you, Syndicate cowards?! Hey, Aldred? The Syndicate isn't around—aaand he's gone. I'm guessing this is what you were talking about earlier. Yes. No matter how big or small, he seems to perceive every problem as some sinister Syndicate plot. Exhibit A: I hung some laundry out to dry, and when a sudden breeze blew it away, he said, "The Syndicate strikes again!" You must be kidding. Y'know, it's kinda easy to pity the poor kid, depending on how ya look at it. He's been sleepin' with one eye open his whole damn life. You're right. The Syndicate kidnapped him as a child, after all... He said himself that ever since he escaped, his sole purpose in life has been to exact revenge on 'em. In light'a the baggage he's luggin' around, what can a few schmucks like us even do? Yes, I see what you mean. Couldn't we show him a bit more leniency, Cleo? Hm. I suppose. But surely you realize that I'm always the one cleaning up the messes around here. Furthermore, I— Hm? What is it, Cleo? Squeak! Squeak, squeak! Eep! It's just a little mouse. Heh, I didn't expect a yelp like that from you, Cleo. It was kinda cute. Wh— Please do not tease me. I heard a scream! Did a Syndicate lackey show up?! O dragon sleeping within me, grant me your POWEEEEEEERRR! Whoa! Calm down, Aldred! Where are those Syndicate goons?! Lemme at 'em! The Syndicate isn't here! More importantly... Dang, it looks like a bomb went off in here! Gonna be a real job to clean this up. .........ble. What was that, Cleo? Couldn't hear you. UNFORGIVABLE! My patience is WELL past its limit! You listen here, Aldred! Uh... What? I sympathize with your circumstances, but that does not give you free reign to vandalize the castle! The reason you connect the Syndicate to everything is because it is the only lens through which you've ever seen the world. And that, Aldred, is why you are going to learn about a little something called EVERYDAY LIFE! Wh-what...?! *gasp* Could this be another Syndicate plot?! And our first order of business will be breaking you of THAT particular habit!

Episode 2

Cleaning 101

Cleaning 101 dictates that we start at the top and work our way down. Dust, then sweep. Rgh... Remind me why I have to do this again? I told you. You're going to learn what normal, everyday life is like. And right now, that means housework! Next, you will scrub the floors. Ugh. This dirt won't come off. Wait— *gasp* This is a Syndicate cipher disguised as dirt, isn't it?! Oh, for goodness sake. Quell your imagination for five seconds and CLEAN! Next, we'll focus on cooking. Given your inexperience, we'll begin with something simple. I'd like you to simply boil these vegetables. Hah. I'm not THAT pea-brained. Save the lesson for someone who needs it. Confident, are you? Then I'll observe from over here. Go ahead. First, I cut the vegetables and put them in the pot. (He didn't even peel them.) Then, I fill the pot with water! (That's too much...) Now to crank up the heat! (He needs to turn the burner down, or the pot will—) What?! The pot's boiling over! (As I expected.) Rrgh. I can't believe the Syndicate sabotaged my cooking pot! What did I say about blaming the Syndicate for everything?! Hey, Cleo. How's Aldred doing? It was something of a struggle at first, but he's managing now. He's stopped mentioning the Syndicate every few minutes, at least. Hey, that's a huge step. And his growth does not stop there. He seems to have a hobby now. That's almost hard to picture. So what's he into? Tending a vegetable garden. Say WHAT? Ain't raisin' veggies a little outta character for a hothead like him? He's quite passionate about it, to be sure. And as long as we're on the subject... You see? Aldred tended to all the vegetables here. Whoa. Never woulda expected ol' danger-boy to have such a green thumb. Well, look who's decided to join us. 'Sup, Aldred. You here ta give the veggies some TLC? I guess Cleo told you. What, is there some rule saying I can't? Course not. Have at 'em. I think it's a great hobby, Aldred. Hah. Bet you think it doesn't suit me at all. Go ahead and say it. Hey, that's not true. Isn't he a shy one? If anyone is worried about their actions not suiting their image, it's him. Ta be fair, his life's been nothin' but break-or-be-broken so far. I think he's startin' to understand that not everyone's out to get him. Mhm. If things stay peaceful like this, then maybe he'll— Huh?! Aldred, watch out! An arrow! What?! A Syndicate surprise attack! You'll regret this folly, you dastards! Taaake thi— Ah! M-my bad! Did anyone get hurt?! Luca? YOU shot that arrow? Yeah, I was practicing and my hand slipped. Sorry! Are you all okay? We're fine, but Aldred, well... Criminy! Did he get hurt? Show me, quick! A single arrow isn't gonna take me down. I'll have your head, you— ...No, wait. You fought against the Syndicate, too. You can't be one of them. Heh. Right you are. 'Preciate the trust, Aldred. I'm just glad nobody lost an eye. And good job keepin' yer cool, Aldred. Heck, just about anyone woulda swung back after that. Did ya realize somehow it was just Luca? No, I didn't know who it was. But right as I was about to attack... Hm? What are you looking at? ...Oh, I get it! If you'd retaliated, then the vegetable garden would've been caught in the carnage. Heck, we'd be lookin' at a smokin' crater instead of tomorrow's salad greens. The vegetables deserved better than that. Outstanding! It seems you're starting to understand, Aldred. Taking good care of what you CAN observe, rather than detesting an invisible foe— That is what a normal life is like. A normal life...

Episode 3

A Friendly Invitation

Oh, hey, Aldred. Why're you eating over here? I prefer to dine in peace and quiet. Gotcha. Come to think of it, I haven't eaten yet today, either. I was way too engrossed in my training. Care to join me for a bite? Together? Like, you and me? Hah! Hard pass. Good one, though. Huh? Why not? Well first off, why do want to eat together in the first place? Because we're friends. Is that so strange? "Friends," huh? Get lost. I'm not here to play buddy-buddy with you! H-hey, there's no need to get mad. Tch. Maybe try thinking before you speak next time. Wait—shoot. He's gone. I guess I made him angry. What did I do wrong? Um, Euden? Hm? Oh, hey, Andromeda. What's up? I know I'm asking a lot, but please, forgive Aldred. There's nothing to forgive. I was the one who made him mad. I hate to say it, but I think your mere presence set him off. What do you mean? You know that he was fused with a dragon in the Syndicate's experiments, right? Yeah. It was part of a project to artificially create people that can shapeshift, right? I can't believe they were trying to replicate a divine contract in such an abhorrent way. Aldred was a product of the Synthetic Shapeshifting Project. But he couldn't completely control the dragon's power, so they deemed him a failure. What?! You can't just call a person a "failure"! Agreed. And even though Aldred never shows it, he's deeply traumatized. That's why when you... Well... Tell me. What did I do wrong? The Synthetic Shapeshifting Project's ultimate goal was to create someone who could transform into multiple dragons. Wait, you mean like— Yes. The project's ultimate aim was to emulate you, Euden. ...... Aldred has internalized the idea that they saw him as a failed version of you. Of course, none of this is your fault, Euden. I just want you to understand how complicated his feelings are. Tch. You blabbermouth dragon. Wha— A-Aldred! Have you been there this whole time? I saw you with him, so I figured you might be running your mouth. Guess I was right. B-but I was only trying to explain how— Drop it. Seriously. Rrrgh! And what about how *I* feel?! H-hey, let's all take a deep breath. The damage is already done. Maybe you'll understand now, Euden. Obeying you would mean acknowledging you as superior. In other words... It would mean admitting that the Syndicate was right—that I'm a "failure." Chumming it up with you is more or less the same as admitting defeat. And I am NOT about to let that happen. What are you talking about, Aldred? Being my friend doesn't make you less than me in any way. Say whatever you want. You won't win me over. ...Okay. I understand. Then I take back what I said about us being friends. Finally. That's the first sensible thing you've said all day. Now, get— No, Aldred. Because you're right. We're not friends. We're rivals. ...What?! The hell does that mean? You don't want to lose to me? Fine. But I don't plan on giving up that easily, either. Ergo, we're rivals. Is that not the definition of the word? ...Rivals, huh? Fine. But get this through your thick skull: I won't lose to you. Not now, not ever. I could say the same to you!

Episode 4

A New Kind of Strength

RRRAGH! Loathsome power that dwells within me, rend flesh asunder! Eeeyaaargh! That was incredible, Aldred. With you on our side, we'll have these fiends cleaned up in record time. Heh. Compared to the Syndicate, these weaklings are child's play. I applaud your confidence, but I would remind you to remain vigilant. We have reason to believe an even stronger foe lurks here. Sounds like a good time. I'll take it out myself. Euden, come quick! What is it, Cleo? As I was surveying the area, I discovered that some children from the nearby village are out flower picking. What? Where are they now? I've escorted some of them to safety already, but a few yet wander the woods. This bodes ill. There are still fiends about. Right. We need to hurry and find those kids! ...Huh?! Watch out! Roooaaaaaar! A fiend?! And it's huge! This one's a cut above the rest! What abhorrent timing, too. Tch. You all better go find the kids, and fast. I'll do something about this guy! No way. We won't leave you alone here! Didn't you hear me? I said I can take care of fiends by myself. Aldred, I— GO! Stop wasting time! We have to trust in him, Your Highness! ...All right. We're counting on you, Aldred! Heh. I'll send this goon packing in no time! Raaagh! Roooar! Graaaooowww! Tch. Awful big for your britches, aren't you? Guess you think that makes you tough. Are you okay, Aldred?! Hm? Oh, you're back. Goddess above! You damaged the fiend that much all by yourself? Perhaps he doesn't need our help after all. Obviously. You guys find the kids? Nearly. There's just one left that we can't seem to locate. We shouldn't have to look far. That's why we need to get rid of this fiend— E-eeeeeeek! Ah! There! It's the child! Of all the places to appear...! We have to hurry— Aaaaah...! A f-f-f... Fiiieeeeeeend! Graaaaagh! No! The fiend is heading toward the child! Damn! Hey, kid, get behind me! He-heeeeelp! Graaaaagh! Argh! Aldred! Grrrrrrr! The fiend is getting away! Are you all right, Aldred? I shall tend to your wounds. I-it got away? I can't believe I let this happen... Is it because I saved the kid...? Dammit. Dammit! When I did I become so weak?! Hold on, Aldred— Spending time with you has made me weak! I'm losing my edge! I can't... I can't win against the Syndicate like this! You're wrong. You're not weak at all. I think you've gotten even stronger, actually. Where's your proof?! I should've been able to trounce that fiend, but I let it get away! The old me never would've let this happen! Exactly. And that's all the proof you need. Your Highness, we successfully dispatched the fiend just outside the forest. See? So, what? You wanna gloat now that my kill was snatched out from under my nose? Of course not. What I'm saying is that the old you would've only been able to save the child or defeat the fiend—but not both. But now you have allies—allies who will shoulder the burdens you can't. I...do? Do you balk at the idea? I... Listen. We're more capable together than we are apart. Our strength is your strength. Wh-what...?! He speaks true. You leapt to save the child without a second thought. We couldn't let your valor go to waste. What we mean is that you needn't shy away from relying on your allies. Our bonds are what make us strong. All for one and one for all, huh...?

Episode 5

Alone No Longer

Eeek! Someone, heeelp! Oh no! That girl is being attacked by a horde of fiends! We need to go save her! I'll draw the fiends away! You get the girl! Apologies. This should be quick! Yaaaaah! Graaaaah... Phew. That oughta do 'er. Yeah. Hey, are you okay? Th-thank you. ...Huh?! N-no. It couldn't be. Are you...Aldred? Huh? Why do you know my name? Oh my goodness. I must be dreaming. To think we'd meet here! *sniffle* Why the sudden outpouring of emotion? My name is Paula. The truth is, I... I escaped from the Syndicate! WHAT?! You did?! They kidnapped me and used me for some experiment... Apparently, I outlived my usefulness, because they were about to dispose of me. What a vile word—"dispose." I knew they were evil, but hearing that makes my blood boil. The others in my test group helped me to escape, and entrusted me with a single hope. And what would that be? To find YOU, Aldred! You fought back against them and foiled so many of their schemes. You are our last hope! I beg you! Please help everyone else still stuck within the Syndicate stronghold! What should we do, Aldred? I'll go, of course. She had me at "Syndicate." Oh! Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart! All right, I'm gettin' PUMPED! Let's scrub 'em out for good this time, Aldred! I never said I was taking you with me. I beg your pardon? This is a problem for those of us who were wronged by the Syndicate. I don't want anyone else getting involved. Come on, Aldred. I thought we were allies. Yeah. It was a nice thought. Come on, we talked about— Shut up. I don't want allies that just play at being my friends. Hey! Watch yer tone, pal! I'm serious. If you insist on coming with me, then I'll get rid of you by force. ...Fine. I won't go against your wishes. U-um... Are you sure? The Syndicate is my eternal enemy. I won't let anyone get between me and my revenge. Come on, let's go. Aldred... We've made it inside the Syndicate fortress. ...Wait, what is that?! A fiend?! Tch. We're surrounded. Heh heh heh... Huh? Paula? AAAH HA HA HA! You walked right into that one, rubbish! You...! You were with the Syndicate all along! And you didn't notice until it was too late, traitorous trash! This place will be your grave! Let me ask this: Why are you after me? Is it some kind of revenge? Revenge? Hah. Our proud organization has no need for such a petty notion. I am simply enlightening a fool who cannot understand the profound ideologies of the Syndicate! Now, fiends! Eviscerate him so I can dispose of him like the rubbish he is! Kraaaaah! Screee... Hrn... What? Didn't ya get the memo? It's recyclin' day, and fiends are on the docket, not friends. Are you okay, Aldred? You sure got here quick. You could've taken your time. We timed our rescue rather impeccably, I thought. Surely we've earned at least a "thank you." Maybe if you'd waited a little longer. I had it under control. Wh-what?! Sorry to break it to you, but I had a feeling you were with the Syndicate from the start. You forget that I'm intimately familiar with how they operate. But why has the seventh heir and his company come?! I saw you discuss no such stratagem! It's simple. I didn't take Aldred at his word when he said he didn't think of us as allies anymore. If that were true, he would not have drawn those fiends away from us just moments prior. Indeed. That is why we immediately surmised that he was laying a trap to make you drop your guard. So we crept after ya, all quiet-like. And lo and behold! Does this prove to you that we're not just pretending to be friends with you? Heh. Guess it does. I was right to trust you guys. Absurd. What does the seventh heir have to gain from such an alliance? Having allies isn't a zero-sum game. I trusted in them, and they repaid me in full. It's that simple. Now that's what I like to hear. Urrrgh! I'll at least take you with me! Die, rubbish! Go ahead and try. You can't take me down! Agh! Do a little soul-searching. Find someplace beyond the Syndicate's reach and start a new life without them. Rgh...! Why? Why won't you kill me?! Listen. I saw the scar on your neck. You weren't lying about being a test subject. The Syndicate turned my life upside-down too. I don't want to kill someone who went through the same hell I did. D-don't take me for a fool! I stand before you a part of the very Syndicate you despise! You're right that I hate them. But I want to stop fighting on hate alone. Because I'm not alone anymore. After fighting alone for so long... I finally have allies.