Kirsty/Stories

General Stories Misc

Quotes

On Sortied

I'm to take on a new mission? Understood.

On Entering a Room

A joint operation? Very well.

When Quest Begins

Move out!

Are your preparations complete?

Response to Beginning of a Quest

Understood. Commencing operation.

I await your signal.

When Controlling Character in Quest

Assuming command.

When Receiving a Heal

I shall continue the fight!

You have my gratitude.

When Entering a Boss' Room

There's the enemy leader! Finish them here!

All forces, engage! We claim victory here!

Response to Entering a Boss' Room

Yes! Let's make our bid for victory!

We will triumph this day!

Upon Getting to Low Health

I'm not dead yet...!

I'll show you my mettle!

Upon Opening a Chest

Those may be useful.

Spoils of war...

Boss on Low Health

Don't get careless!

Show them no mercy!

Boss Enters Break State

ATTAAACK!

The decisive moment!

Rare Enemy Spawns

That foe is strange. Keep your guard up.

Don't let it escape!

Upon Death

I-I must withdraw...

Forgive me...everyone...

Upon Revival

Resuming command.

When Using Weapon/Shared Skills

Damage: You'll go no further!

Buff Self: I will turn the tide.

Buff Ally: I have your back!

Debuff Enemy: Behold my strategy.

Heal Ally: Stand tall.

Heal Self: This isn't over yet.

Player Uses Damaging Skill

A laudable display.

Leading by example, are we?

When Shape Shifting is Ready

I feel the dragon's power!

The dragon is ready to engage!

Shape Shifting into Dragon

Destroy them, dragon.

Idle During Quest

I shall take stock of our provisions.

You may rest, but stay alert.

Quest Clear

Mission complete.

Quest Failure

We're out of options. All troops, retreat!

Home Screen Walking

I'll be running combat exercises later.

I must go over our tactics.

Still time for some night drills...

This is a land of plenty.

I wonder how the motherland fares...

I must be ever vigilant...

Home Screen Inside

I will never forget my comrades who died before achieving their goals.

My family has borne soldiers for generations. I was read tales of strategy before bed.

I hope to learn much from you and your allies while here.

By capitalizing on an enemy's weakness, you shatter their morale. That is the key to victory.

Long ago, I was part of a march through the snow. We lost the road in the flurry, and nearly died.

Raised in the north as I was, I find these southern climes to be almost too hot.

Home Screen Portrait

There is no place for mercy on the battlefield.

A commander must never waver, for doing so can only bring unease in their subordinates.

I will never grow used to seeing my comrades fall.

I once believed that a soldier should obey orders without question, but now...

I know not if the justice I believe in is true. But I do not intend to make choices I will come to regret.

Collection Portrait

I typically don't abide wool-gathering in my soldiers, bot Joachim has proven himself a potent asset to our forces.

Noelle may lack confidence in speaking, but she is dedicated to her duty and there is nothing I value more.

Victor was... He was my commanding officer once upon a time. Beyond that? Nothing.

Soldiers only make it home by keeping their minds focused on victory. As commander, it is my goal to see them all survive.

Orders can only carry you so far. In the end, you must follow your own judgement.

At The Halidom

No part of the motherland enjoys the abundance you have here.

I almost can't fathom how many elite warriors have gathered here.

Shall I assist you in devising a strategy?

New Mana Circle Unlocked

This is nothing.

On Mana Circle Fully Unbound

My growth won't end here. I have someone to prove wrong.

Adventurer Story Episodes

Episode 1

The Nature of a Soldier

Please note that this story contains spoilers
for Victor's adventurer story.
North Grastaea - Misha Snowfield
Operation Smaragdus
The enemy mages aren't letting up! We can only hold them off for so long! GAAAAAH! I-I NEED A MEDIC! PULL YOURSELVES TOGETHER! C-commander?! Those mages' mana will run dry before long, and they will be forced to make way for the forces coming up behind them. Our spies are already at work slowing that rear unit's arrival. So as soon as the mages are out of mana, we strike. B-but what if we can't hold out that long? You can either die here, soldier, or live to see your fiancée again. I... I swore I would give her this ring! I have to survive! Then believe in my plan. We WILL win this battle. Yes, Commander! Their attacks are letting up! All right—ALL UNITS, ADVANCE! Rrgh... We've lost the advantage. RETREAAAT! Join up with the rear unit! Not so fast! Urk! You can't beat us at close range. This battle is ours! Raaaaaaaaaaaaaah! No... They've completely stolen the momentum! You could never match the might of Svenitla. And we will make you rue the folly that made you try! The military nation of Svenitla sits in one of
the coldest regions of North Grastaea, clashing
constantly with its neighbors over the continent's
limited natural resources.
Svenitla Royal Palace
Military Headquarters
His Majesty is most pleased with your performance, Commander. It will no doubt bring prosperity to the nation. Mm. The losses we suffered are negligible when one considers what was gained. You have proven yourself most capable indeed—unlike your peers. I am merely performing my duty, sir. Heh. And modest as well. We trust you greatly, Commander. Few could achieve what you have with such sparse resources. War exists to bolster the economy. A soldier's job is to maximize profits with the minimum investment. ...Forgive me, sir, but if that will be all, I have other business to attend to. A feast is soon to begin in honor of your victory. Surely your business can wait until later? I am afraid it's a most pressing engagement. Do you mean to suggest you have somewhere more important to be than at a feast with HIS MAJESTY? Yes, sir. Very much so. ...She takes after him, all right.

---

He wanted very badly to give you this himself. No... H-he promised we'd be married when he returned! He... He promised... *sob* As his commanding officer, I accept full responsibility. I am truly sorry. Tell me... What did he die for? I... What did he give his life for?! Tell me! Your fiancé brought salvation to this country. Wh-who are you? I'm the commander's adjutant. Allow me to speak on her behalf. The war we just fought secured our nation new land and natural resources. These will in turn make our home all the more prosperous. Many of our people are still mired in poverty, but your beloved's sacrifice will help lift them out. Is that...really true? Yes. Please believe us.

---

Your tongue is as silver as ever, Joachim. When it needs to be, yes. And when the alternative is a truth as ugly as the one we face, a little silver goes a long way. Our sacrifices mean nothing, in the end. The rich simply get richer. We risk our lives time after time, fighting against all odds for a farcical cause. It's getting tiring. Enough, Joachim. As soldiers, our place is on the battlefield. Anything that follows is not our concern. Now, why are you here? Ah, right. We've got new orders in from HQ. They want us to visit the Dyrenell Empire as emissaries, with the hope of forming a military alliance. And here's the kicker: to keep costs to a minimum, they're sending just the two of us. Alone. That's the empire to the south with designs to expand, yes? Right. And I don't know if you've heard, but they're pretty much the most evil force around these days. Be that as it may, we have our orders. Begin departure preparations at once. I will be along shortly. What will you be doing in the meantime? I want to linger here awhile. Alone.

---

If we can secure an alliance with Dyrenell, it should reduce the burden on our own military. That should mean fewer deaths. It's an enticing proposition, but I can't help feeling some trepidation about journeying south. I had hoped to never see his face again...

Episode 2

An Unexpected Reunion

Deep in the Lodyzhka Mountains that
separate North and South Grastaea...
Whoa! Never seen a bird like that up north. We are not here for birdwatching, Joachim. What's the harm in taking in the sights? Call it "recon." This place is full of things we'd never see back home. True. The land grows greener the further south we travel. If our homeland enjoyed this same bounty of nature, we would have no need for war. Whoa there, Commander, no need to wax philosophical. Just kick back and enjoy the birds' song, all right? ...Hold on. That's no bird. Joachim! Get down! Where did that log come from?! We just walked into a trap—and a familiar one at that. It couldn't be... I must admit, I did not expect to see you here. Victor?! It has been some time, Kirsty. Or should I address you as Commander now? I would prefer you didn't address me at all, FORMER Commander. I see. I take it you're irritated I chose to ignore my return orders? No, that came as no surprise. You were never one for rules. But disobeying a direct order is a violation of military law. I should have your head for that alone. Easy, Commander. No need for that. He tried to kill us just moments ago, Joachim! Come on, I bet he was just trying to scare us. Right, Victor? I'm afraid I had every intention to kill. I caught word that envoys to the empire would be passing through here, so I set a trap. If our war hawk of a homeland and the barbaric Dyrenell Empire were to join forces, the continent would be riddled with death and destruction. Don't let personal vendettas cloud your judgment, Victor. I know about your history with them. I expected no less. But do you truly believe an alliance would be in anyone's best interests? Our nation is still weak. With the support of the Empire, expanding our reach would be much simpler. It would mean longer lives for our comrades. Your words are naught but petty idealism. Don't speak like you know what's best for our country. While you idled here, our comrades were dying for our nation! "For our nation"? You know as well as I that those wars are in the interest of the wealthy minority. Our homeland has been rotten since our former king's passing. So that's why abandoned Svenitla, is it? And now you impede this alliance to spite the king who demoted you. No. I simply found something I cared about here. And any who threaten that will face the whole of my wrath—even my former comrades. A soldier's duty is to their nation, not their emotions. That's why I... Don't let him get to you, Commander. ...Victor. As a former comrade, let me give you a warning. If you impede us again, we will show no mercy. Why wait? Show me how your training has progressed. Easy, you two! Put away your weapons! Stay out of this, Joachim. He won't back down. He's been that way since he was my instructor. I may be unchanged, but the same cannot be said of you. You follow orders without pause, despite knowing how corrupt our nation's leaders are. I had thought ten years enough for you to see clearly again, but it appears I was mistaken. I-I... And I taught you better than to leave yourself open! HAH! Blast! Urgh! Joachim! Heh... Just made it. Are you hurt? No... I'm all right. Saved by your subordinate, eh? You may lack in moral fortitude, but you seem to at least be worthy of admiration. Give the insults a rest, Victor. If you don't, I might have to kill you myself. Hah! Stow your fears, boy. I have no interest in pursuing this further. You are free to journey on. If my words alone can unsettle her, she is no threat to me. ...... I have told you time and time again that an army represents power, not justice. One can only find justice within their own heart. So long as you ignore your own emotions, you will never achieve anything. Victor, wait! Even after you were demoted, you still obeyed any orders you were given. What did you find in the south to change you like this? What happened? ...I just met some interesting people. That's all. ...Right...

Episode 3

Nightmare from 10 Years Ago

Imperial Territory
Hertz Village
...... Look, Commander. The owner of this village gave us some fresh fruit. I see. Place it there, then. Something on your mind? Victor, perhaps? What a preposterous idea. Why should I give any thought to a traitor? I know you've always looked up to him. When, exactly, did I say that? You didn't, but it's not hard to tell. The two of you are polar opposites. If he believes something is right, he'll see it done—even it means punching a government official and getting demoted. *sigh* He needs to learn to act like he's in the military. A soldier... ...Must always execute orders without question. I've heard that from you a thousand times. But I don't think you believe it as strongly as you used to. ...... You should be more honest with yourself. A soldier acting for themselves can only lead to tragedy. The incident ten years ago is proof enough of that. Ten Years Earlier
A Town in Svenitlan Territory
We've been ordered to retreat?! But that makes no sense! HQ has decided to give up on suppressing the insurgents for now. But there are still civilians in the town! What will become of them?! Until HQ officially declares their intent to abandon this land, they will have value as hostages. Our foes will keep them alive for the time being. How can you talk about them like...like pieces on a BOARD?! Are you really okay with this?! NO! I'm not! But we are not equipped to fight a war of attrition. We should retreat before we come under attack, and reorganize from a distance before striking again. That is the most logical course. It might be logical, but do you think it's RIGHT? Mister Soldier, you have to help us! What is it? Are you all right? S-some scary people took my mommy and daddy... You gotta help them! Please! We... Please! Don't let those people hurt them! ...Sorry, Kirsty. I'm gonna have to disregard those orders. So am I. I'd never forgive myself if I turned my back on a crying kid. Please, don't do this! You'll be branded criminals! If that's the cost of doing what's right, then so be it. "One can only find justice within their own heart." That's what Victor always says, and he's right! I agree with you, I do. But now is not the time for this! Go ahead and lead the other soldiers out of here to regroup. Then, when we wander along after, you can give us a proper scolding. But... Show us the way, kiddo! See you on the other side, Kirsty! In the end, both soldiers were captured during
the rescue effort. The girl was then used as
a hostage to extract information from them
about their unit.
In the resulting attack, Kirsty's unit was forced
to abandon the town. Its residents were
slaughtered without exception.

---

Your comrades were fools. Their inability to follow orders cost this nation greatly, never mind their own lives. Entertaining individual whims can only lead to ruin. Remember that well. ...Yes, sir. From that point on, Kirsty resolved
to obey her orders without question.
For if her comrades had only done the same,
the tragedy that ensued could have been avoided...

---

...I must have dozed off. It's been some time since I had that dream. Joachim? Where are you? EEEEEK! That came from outside!

Episode 4

Wavering Allegiance

Joachim, report! What's going on?! Some imperial soldiers came to town, and, well... Oh, honey! Are you all right?! Hmph. Let that be a lesson to the rest of you! We won't tolerate any lip. Now pay up! Are they collecting taxes...? In a way. The people claim they've paid their dues already, but the soldiers aren't satisfied. They're no better than bandits... Is this really how the Empire operates? Ho there! Haven't seen you two around these parts before. They're just passing travelers. They've been here one night, and they'll be on their way soon. A one-night residency makes them liable for taxes! Now, hurry up and hand over your valuables! You must be joking— Do as he asks, Joachim. What? Shouldn't we at least try to explain why we're here? These soldiers are just grunts. They wouldn't understand our mission even if we explained it. And starting trouble here will not aid our negotiations. ...As you wish. Here, sir. It's not much, but it's what we have. Bah. Useless. How did you fare? Not much better. I think we've squeezed all we can from this town. I see. In that case...you there! You're coming with us. Wh-what? Why? Our unit is short on manpower. You'll make an excellent pack mule! But sir, w-we need him to work the fields here. Well, isn't that a pity? Aaaah! Whoa there pal, take it easy! You'd best hold your tongue before I cut it from your mouth. Please forgive my subordinate. Hmph. Keep your dog in line. (These soldiers are disgusting and completely unchecked. But for the sake of our mission, I have to let them go...) I have told you time and time again that an army represents power, not justice. One can only find justice within their own heart. (Get out of my head! I know the choice I'm making is just!) Let go of me! LET GO! Get a move on! I said—ow! LET MY BROTHER GO, YOU MONSTERS! Monsters, eh? You dare insult the proud soldiers of the Dyrenell Empire?! If you apologize right now, we might forgive you. ...Or we might not. N-never! You ARE monsters! Big stinky dumb meanie MONSTERS! You lie to yourselves and say bad things are okay! ...! All righty then. If you won't apologize, I guess there's only one thing for it! HAH! What do you think you're doing?! I'm not sure, honestly. But I can't let this continue. I am no coward. You'll see the noose for this, mark my words! No chance! Ahhh... That's better. I was just about ready to burst. Heh. I know the feeling. Kill them! KILL THEM WHERE THEY STAND! I think we've upset him. What shall we do? I fear we're left with only one choice. We fight back! With me, Joachim! Yes, ma'am! Stay back, everyone! Leave these jokers to us! R-right! We'll make you wish death had come sooner! Raaaaah!

Episode 5

Surprising Heroes

Imperial Territory
The Forest Near Hertz Village
They must be here somewhere! Find them, and show them the might of the Empire!

---

They're almost in position... Now! Right!

---

Are those... Logs?! AAAAAH! They're disoriented! Now's our chance!

---

Whew... We managed to drive them back. But we've been hiding in this forest for five days now. I'm starting to get sick of eating fruits and berries. Stop complaining. Evading them would be trivial, but if we do that... They'll turn their anger on the people of Hertz for defying them in the first place. Yes. Eventually, they will realize their continued pursuit here is only wasting resources. We need to hold out until then, and keep drawing them into this forest in the meantime. Now, prepare the next round of traps. Yes, ma'am! Right away, ma'am! What's got you so cheery? You didn't eat anything strange, did you? Heh. I just still can't believe you cast our mission aside to help those villagers. Yes... That may prove shortsighted. However... Wait, do you smell something burning? They couldn't have...!

---

They're going to burn this whole forest down with us in it! This is bad... We're surrounded by flames! We have to be able to break through somewhere! No dice—the flames are too strong! *cough* *cough* Blast... Is this really the end? Water magic?! Who did that?! Kirsty and Joachim, right? We've been searching high and low for you. Who are you? You don't look like imperial soldiers... We can make introductions later. For now, just know that we're here to help! We've secured an escape route. Follow us! What should we do, Commander? We don't have time to press them on their identity. We'll just have to trust them. With me, Joachim!

---

You'll be safe here. There don't seem to be any imperials around. Thank you both. We owe you our lives. If anything, you owe those brothers back in Hertz. They asked us to help the travelers who saved them. That was kind of them indeed—but if the imperial army thinks we got away, that whole village will be in danger. Fret not! They have all retreated to the Halidom's lands. With the soldiers caught up searching for you, we were able to lead the villagers to safety with ease. The Halidom? Then you must be with the prince Noelle mentioned in her report. Indeed we are. Now, we should make a hasty retreat to the Halidom ourselves; this is still imperial territory. A party of this size would no doubt draw unwelcome attention. We're all wanted by the Empire at this point. We should part ways here. Well... If you insist. Wait! Before you leave, I have one question. You are enemies of the Empire, yes? Why did you take the risk of entering their territory? Oh, that's quite simple. The Halidom doesn't turn its back on people in danger. That's just how we are! ...I see. That is admirable indeed.

---

What should we do now, Commander? I think it's clear that an alliance with the Empire would not be in our country's best interests. If their army's leaders are as wretched as their soldiers, they would no doubt betray us in time. We should return home to report as much at once. Agreed. A "breakdown in negotiations" sounds about right. Yes. And when we're inevitably sent back to open talks again, I intend to visit the Halidom on the way. Oh? Why is that? The king may insist on allying with such an openly evil power, but I won't stand by and watch our home march itself to ruin. However, this journey has taught me that I still lack the knowledge necessary to fight for what is just. And if Victor is to be believed, the best place to gain it may be at the Halidom. I see. ...Hm? ...... Ah, hello Noelle. Are you here with new orders from HQ? N-no... Actually, I... It's all right. Just give me the message. ...What?! What does it say? It's...an invitation. The sender claims to be recruiting rebels to help cleanse our nation of the corruption that has taken root there. You can't mean... A revolution, yes. Whoever wrote this says they only sent these invitations to those who "truly love our nation." *nod* I-I gave one to Victor, too. Mm, and how did he respond? He... He pretended not to care. But I think deep down, he really cares a lot! Hmm. Well, either way, the timing is suspicious. Agreed. It's impossible to tell from this letter alone whether the sender is a well-intentioned patriot or simply hungry for the king's power. ...But I have every intention of finding out.