Let's Play Legend of Legaia Pt. XIII -- This Game Is E-Rated. No, Really.
And so the time has come to bid farewell to Sebucus Islands and make our way to a new place, Karisto Kingdom. Time to take a ride on the legendary flying trains of Octam!
Oh! Statham! I didn't know it was you! I'm sorry. You want to go to Karisto Kingdom? Of course, I'll make an exception for you. The crewman are waiting up there. Oh, and... Before you go, I recommend buying plenty of the Doors of Wind!
Eh, we've got enough. He opens the elevator for us and up we go to the roof.
There's the fine vessel that will be carrying us to Karisto. Not much to look at, is it?
We can only take you halfway to Karisto Kingdom because of the Mist there! Oh, don't worry! We'll unhook the gondola midway, and the momentum will take you the rest of the way! Until Karisto is Mist-free, you could say it's a one-way ticket!
And this is why we were advised to have Doors of Wind on hand. Once we're in Karisto, it'll be the only way to get back to Sebucus or Drake until we clear out the Mist.
I recorded this cutscene. Give that screenshot a click if you want to watch it. No commentary or anything, just the cutscene itself.
Affirmative! Yessiree! Here we go! Attach flying Seru! All personnel in standard flight positions!
He leaps up on the gondola.
And then leaps into the air in front of it as the Seru he's wearing grows to a quite impressive size.
He enters the Seru's head, and we're off!
Garzan: Look! Look! Octam is already out of sight! We're already at Karisto Kingdom! Soon we'll be in Conkram. Yea, Conkram!
Nathdran: I know. Hari did say that your parents were in Conkram, didn't he, Garzan! Statham... When I was in Biron Temple, I once heard... In Karisto Kingdom, Sol and Conkram were at war when the Mist first covered the earth. Zopu said he believed there was some connection between that war and the Mist. I think he was right, Statham! But that's not all. Behind everything -- deep inside the Mist -- I sense a horrible evil!
Yeah, I think something about the geography here got lost in translation. The area we're headed to is known as Karisto Kingdom, but there's no King of Karisto, nor any indication that there ever was one.
After Nate's done talking, the train suddenly slows to a stop.
Nathdran: That is strange. We're still in the middle of the ocean, and Karisto isn't even in sight.
Something's not right. Why would we stop in the middle of the ocean like this?
The two non-Seru-wearing crewmen proceed to have a discussion on top of the gondola.
(Blah blah blah)... and... (blah blah) we (blah blah)
What? What?
Nathdran: What's wrong? What happened?
We were just talking about it over here and...
This is not good!
They say the Mist in Karisto Kingdom is much stronger than they expected.
So if we go any further, the Mist will start affecting our Flying Seru.
I thought we could go farther than this.
Oh, don't worry. It's a nice downhill slope from here on in!
We'll just unhook the gondola, and will a little momentum you'll coast right into Karisto!
Leave everything to us! Just close the gondola door and wait!
We're counting on you!
Affirmative!
The one crewman returns to the Flying Seru's head.
And with that, the Flying Seru starts rushing down the rails.
Heeeyyy! HEY! That's enough! Unhook us! Unhook us! Statham, Garzan, Nathdran! We're counting on you! Good luck!
With that, the Flying Seru unhooks and dives into the water.
As the gondola careens off into the distance, the crewmen pop up to the water's surface.
The Mist disappears, and the next thing I know, we're swimming in the ocean!
Are they gone?
They're gone!
I hope they're alright.
WHAT.
You said it! Nothing can beat a Ra-Seru by your side!
Alright, let's go back!
Shoot! I wish the Flying Seru could swim!
So here we are, careening towards our deaths.
The music here switches to the boss battle music, I think that's a nice touch.
Miraculously, we manage to not die!
Cara: I can't keep getting you out of trouble, you know!
Garzan: Hey, I never asked you to help me!
Nathdran: Cara! What are you doing here? What is that?!
Cara: I can't believe this. That's the Floating Castle! The one that sprays Mist down from the sky!
Well. That'll be a fun Mist Generator to destroy.
Garzan: The Floating Castle... it's gone.
Nathdran: Tell me, Cara. How are you able to travel freely through the Mist? How do you escape possession by Seru when you don't have a Ra-Seru like us?
Cara: Ra-Seru? What is a Ra-Seru? All I have...
Garzan: Cara! That's a Ra-Seru Egg! Wow!
Nathdran: Cara! Where did you get that Ra-Seru Egg?
Cara: Oh, so that's what you call it -- a Ra-Seru Egg! I didn't know that!
Garzan: Cara, can I have that Ra-Seru Egg?
Cara: I don't think so! No you can't have it! It's mine! Why should I give it to you? Ha, ha! Well, I have to get going. I have things to do!
Nathdran: Wait! Cara, where are you going?
Cara: Sorry! That's a secret!
And off she runs!
Garzan: Cara might really be a nice person. After all, she helped us up.
And, finally, we're back in control again. Let's take a look around.
The world's largest city, Sol, is known by many as Legaia's entertainment capital. Visitors enjoy the full facilities, theaters, fighting arenas, amusement parks, and more! Sol is actually a single giant structure with a history going back hundreds of years. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Karisto Kingdom from the observatory at the top floor.
->Buma
Tucked into East Karisto Ravine, Buma is famous for its Genesis Trees and its lively streets. The beauty of the three cliffside Genesis Trees paints a picture of awe-inspiring majesty. Houses lining the river have also helped make Buma famous the world over for its quaint appeal.
->Uru Mais
Uru Mais -- the mysterious city of ancient ruins. Who built it? Why? The answers, like the city itself, are shrouded in mystery. But Uru Mais is also world-famous for the new type of Seru that come from there. Most Seru, of course, are born of two Seru parents. But in Uru Mais, a new type of Seru occasionally appears from out of thin air! Some say they come from a hidden Seru world somewhere, but their true origin is unknown. The unshakable fact is that in Uru Mais, Seru appear suddenly from out of nowhere! Seru trappers sent by the Emperor of Sol monitor the ruins day and night.
->Nivora Ravine
Nivora Ravine, famous for its beauty, is located in northern Buma. Climbers wishing to visit Nivora Ravine should travel through the limestone cave in northern Buma.
Unattended kiosk. Buy Travel Kits for peace of mind! Please insert 3,000G for each kit.
->Check the Travel Kit's contents
->Take a Travel Kit
->Don't do anything
Statham took a Travel Kit from the box. Statham now has 5 Healing Blooms, 1 Door of Wind, and 1 Door of Light. Do you wish to put 3,000G into the box as payment?
->Yes
->No
Statham paid 3,000G.
Man, that's an awful lot of money to pay for stuff we'll never use!
Statham picked up the 3,000G.
At least we're breaking even.
Welcome to the Karisto world map, guys! Our first stop: Sol.
But first, our new world map enemies!
Grudes are brand-new and have Power-Up just like Ogres do. Acid Slime is our latest of the Slime family, and has a brand new skill, Melt Spray, which drops our attack, speed, defense, and intelligence all down by 10%. Queen Bees aren't terribly notable.
And here we are at Sol!
Garzan rushes ahead, as is her habit, and trips, somersaulting before landing on her ass.
The information board wasn't kidding when it called Sol Legaia's largest city. Sol is huge.
Nathdran: So this is Sol! I never imagined that such a huge city could be built by human hands! This must have been built with the power of the Seru of long ago. The flying trains... The city itself... Truly a pre-Mist civilization!
Garzan: Let's see what it's like inside!
Nathdran: Garzan, wait! Don't go in alone!
Garzan: Well come on, Statham and Nathdran! Let's go!
Nathdran: Ha, ha, ha! There's no arguing with Garzan! Come, Statham! We're all going inside!
Nathdran: I heard Sol was a big place, but I never imagined it was this big.
Garzan: But it's engulfed in the Mist...
Meta: Wait! I sense human thoughts. There are survivors in there!
Ozma: The Mist doesn't seem to have reached the upper parts of the city.
Terra: But be careful! I sense indescribable depravity.
Garzan: Statham! Nathdran! Let's be careful!
Nathdran: Warrior-monks of Biron were sent to Sol. I hope they are still alive.
For once, I will be acting against type and rather than explore everything, I just head straight up towards civilization. There'll be plenty of time to explore the Mist-covered floors later.
We still have to fight our way up, though, and that means new monsters!
Ghost Knights are another new variation on Drake Ghosts, nothing too special about them. Dead Bones are another new Skeleton variation. Shades are new versions of Evil Shadows, with a new trick, Fatal Decision, one of my least favorite attacks!
It throws up a ring of cards, each representing a different effect. I'll be honest, I have no idea what half of these do. But you see that yellow guy sighing in relief just to the right of the top card in that 'cap? That's the "no effect" card, which is pretty much the ideal outcome. Whatever's at the top of the circle when we hit X is what we get.
Unfortunately I have shitty reaction time!
A couple of floors up, Garzan suddenly stops us.
Garzan: I hear something! I hear someone fighting!
Nathdran: Yes, I hear it, too! The sound of a monster roaring, and the sound of a sword! It must be someone being attacked by a monster!
Garzan: Statham! Let's go help!
Nathdran: Whoever it was must have been killed by the monster.
(Silence)
But it seems we're not the only humans around who can take on Seru and live to tell the tale, as an old man in armor exits the room!
Grotesque beasts from Hell! Pack of Seru demons! Prepare to meet they doom. Thou shalt die by my Astral Sword!
Nathdran: Hold it! Old man! Calm down! We're not Seru monsters!
Garzan: Yeah! We're human beings!
(Silence) (Silence) (Silence) Forgive me. I apologize. Thou art indeed human, as I detect no madness in thine eyes.
Gaza: Forgive me and my incivility, as I live in such a defiled land. But this demon's lair is no place for woman nor child! Hmm?
Garzan, for some reason, catches his eye, and he proceeds to totally invade her personal space.
Gaza: No, of course not. My eyes doth deceive me. Mar is no longer of this world.
Gaza: I take leave of you now.
And off he goes.
Nathdran: But his eyes... His eyes showed no emotion at all. They were lifeless, cold eyes. Very disturbing...
Garzan: That old man talks so funny... I couldn't understand him. But when he looked at me and called me Mar, he seemed so nice!
Before anybody says anything, I'll just state, for the record, that Mar is the name of Gaza's dead granddaughter.
Another floor up, and civilization awaits us!
Welcome to Sol proper! I think I've mentioned before that Mist is denser than air is, and, as such, it don't rise above the 3rd floor of Sol. Try not to think too hard about why this didn't do anything for Jeremi's Sky Gardens.
Grand List of Ways People Dealt With the Mist:
-Build a huge wall around the village (susceptible to doomlasers)
-Put on Seru and lock yourselves up, effectively time traveling to when the Mist is gone (ballsy, but risky)
-Put airlocks at all entrances (susceptible to backstabbing cockbites)
-Live in a cave (surprisingly effective!)
-Don't (has some obvious problems)
-Giant windmills (susceptible to frozen magma)
-Mass exodus underground (susceptible to earthquakes)
-Live in a giant tower (susceptible to stir-craziness)
But within a year, the people began indulging in debauchery, as a diversion, they said. Drinking, fighting, dancing. But after a few years they became bored with those diversions. The people here are like ghosts -- not living but merely existing out of fear of dying.
Sol is kind of a depressing place!
It was right in the middle of the long, long war with Conkram. The war had been raging for over ten years, and we were beating Conkram's army. "We're about to win! Soon the war will be over," everyone thought. We were about to win, when a strange castle appeared in the sky, and Mist started flowing out of it! As long as the Mist is here, my family and friends will be possessed by Seru. Victory was close yet too far to grasp. That's the real tragedy of Sol.
As we pass by the local bar jazz club, we get another cutscene!
Cara: Start acting like a man!
Garzan: It's Cara! Statham, that's Cara's voice!
Nathdran: It's coming from there. It sounds like an argument.
Garzan: Let's go see! Statham, let's go inside!
Aaaaand in Garzan runs. Surely this will end well.
Nathdran: Come on, Statham. Let's go.
Nobody we've ever seen before!
Cara: I just want you to get back on your feet! I want the Grantes of ten years ago, before the Mist!
Grantes: (Silence)
Cara: Everything I did, I did hoping that someday, you would get back on your feet. I was a no-good thief! I used the confusion to steal from people! I did things that would make my parents cry, if they knew. Me! A woman! I did all those things. Don't you feel anything?
Grantes: I'm grateful. I'm sorry...
Cara: Grantes! You're a sorry excuse for a man! Living off a woman... You're no better than a pimp!
...UUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
UUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.
->I don't really understand either.
->He's a man who lives off a woman.
Garzan: Oh. Well then, Nathdran, can you tell me what a pimp is?
Nathdran: That seems to be what one calls a bad man who doesn't work and has a woman support him.
Garzan: A pimp is a bad man?
Wait, why did the background music suddenly change to the battle music?
Garzan: Grantes is bad! I hate people who are bad!
Nathdran: Wait, Garzan! Don't be so hasty!
Garzan: I'm going to get Grantes 'cause he's bad!
Oh. Oh, no. She isn't. She can't.
She did. /)_(\
Garzan: That's why I won't let Grantes get away with that.
Cara: No, don't. Stop, please. He's not bad. I'm the one who's bad. It's all my fault. So, please, don't hurt him. If you want to hit someone, hit me.
Garzan: Why should I hit you, Cara? Grantes is the one who's bad!
Nathdran: Garzan, don't interfere in their business. Come on, let's go outside.
Garzan: Why? Adults are humans, too! And I'm a human! I'm human just like them! Oh, I don't understand! Nathdran, tell me why!
Nathdran: Oh, brother.
Just then, Cara comes through wordlessly.
Nathdran: Come on, Garzan! You want to go to Conkram, right?! You want to see your parents in Conkram, right?
Garzan: Y-yeah, I do. OK, Nathdran. I'll take care of Grantes later!
Well, now that that's over, let's investigate the bar more properly!
But it takes a lot of cash to find out everything she knows!
S-sorry Garzan booted you in the head, dude.
Wow, you must've been thirsty! Do you want another glass of milk?
->Yes
->No
Oh, your name is Statham? You're pretty tough for someone so young. Do you want another glass of milk?
->Yes
->No
So that thing you're wearing is a Ra-Seru? Wow, that's really something. Do you want another glass of milk?
->Yes
->No
So, you are on a journey to awaken the Genesis Tree and get rid of the Mist. I know something that might help you. Do you want another glass of milk?
->Yes
->No
The treasure chests in the lower levels of Sol are called the Sage's Treasure Chests. You can make the Sage happy by giving something he likes in return for what you take from the chest. There are eight Sage's Treasure Chests in all, so you'd better have enough treats for all of them! Do you want another glass of milk?
->Yes
->No
Hmmm, these Sage's Treasure Chests sound really important! In other news, I'm really glad I can abuse save states on an emulator because christ is getting info in here expensive.
I barely remember the words.
People can dream anywhere they want, and find hope in whatever they want. I dream here, and I find hope. That's what I do.
Oh, good! So you'll keep me company. Why don't you buy me a drink? It costs 30G.
->OK
->No way
Oh, I'm so happy! Mmm, this tastes good! Now, you know the Soren, right? The ones with Seru Wings? They fly through the sky, not obeying anyone. They're very proud. But I heard that a young Soren had risked his life for forbidden love. Hey, I'm thirsty again!
->OK
->No way
(Gulp! Gulp!) Oh, that was good! Now where was I? That's right! I was talking about the Soren who risked his life for forbidden love. Soren Law forbids them from loving anyone who doesn't have Seru Wings. In other words, they can't fall in love with surface-dwelling people. Isn't that terrible? There are a lot of nice girls who don't have Seru Wings... like me, for instance! I feel real bad about this, but could you buy me just one more drink?
->Yes
->No
Thank you! One day, a young Soren was flying. He had a Soren Flute, which is more valuable than even their own lives. But he dropped it and it fell to earth. He looked everywhere for it, but couldn't find it. After searching so long, he was frantic. Then he heard a song being played on a flute. He could tell it was his Soren Flute, but he had never heard that melody. He followed the sound. Whew, I'm getting thirsty again! Buy me a drink!
->OK
->No way
Oh, you're so nice! Anyhow, the young Soren found a girl playing the flute in Buma. He watched her for a long time, listening to the melancholy song. Without realizing it, he had walked right up to her. She saw him, and the flute fell out of her mouth. They stared at each other. And they fell in love, right then and there. Just like that! (Silence)
->Would you like another drink?
->Why don't we call it a night?
OK. I like you, Mister. You seem to... understand me. The two couldn't hide their love for each other. But... Soren Law wouldn't allow their love. Sigh! For love's sake, the young Soren made a frightening deal with a demon. The deal was... It was to... (Silence)
...What, is that it?
...Well, thank goodness for save states, anyway.
Oh, this building looks promising.
Referee: 9... 10...
And there's the bell signaling the end of the fight.
Say hello to the Muscle Dome, folks. Minigame Hell.
Remember those coins we got from the guy with the slot machine in Vidna? Well, here's where they're actually, like, useful.
We use tokens here. You have to buy a token to play the games. When you're finished playing the games, you can exchange the tokens you won for prizes. Prizes are available at the opposite counter. You can't exchange the tokens you have for money. But, we will hold on to your tokens until your next visit.
->Tell me the types of games
We have a total of three types of games in two zones. First, the front of the arcade is the Amusement Zone. Excitement guaranteed in successive bonus rounds! The newest in slot machine action -- Wild Card! Win tokens in successive rounds! Fighting game -- Baka Fighter. Enjoy either or both! Proceed directly to the game you wish to play after purchasing tokens. In the rear is the Coliseum Zone! Register to enter at the special sign-up counter. Anyone confident in their fighting abilities can enter the Tournament held at the Coliseum!
Here's what's available at the prize counter. We will be getting almost none of this because I really don't like the Muscle Dome. There's a super-secret bonus prize not listed here that we can get with a ludicrous amount of coins, but I'll go into a bit more detail on that later.
I can sympathize, kid. (It's best not to think too hard about what Songi's doing in an in-universe arcade game.)
First, let's take a look at the slots.
It's pretty simple. Press a button to send all three reels rolling, and then press the shown buttons to stop the reels. The aim is to get three in a row on one of the horizontal or diagonal lines. Get three punch or kick symbols and you get a bonus round that I have unsurprisingly never seen because I suck at this kind of thing.
We're not going to be using the slots at all to get coins.
On to the arcade game!
Baka Fighter is really disorienting purely because it has English voice acting, calling out the name of the game and doing the "YOU WIN" and "NEXT STAGE" sort of things.
I dare you to come up with a good in-universe explanation for this. I pick Nate's recolor to fight with, because I like Nate. As far as I know, nothing's really affected by which fighter you choose.
Here's the fight screen. First stage is a Black Piura. The winner is determined by the best 2 out of 3 rounds. Combat works on the good ol' rock paper scissors system. I. Don't remember exactly what beats what, though, as while on a real console, the buttons on the sides will light up when pressed, they don't do that on my emulator. I'm using a guide for this, because the enemies have pretty set patterns for the buttons they use. (And yet I still manage to suck too hard at the game to get any farther than 6 stages!)
Victory yields a score screen!
And then the game gives us the option to pay out or keep playing.
2nd stage is a Gobu Gobu, 3rd stage is a Skeleton, 4th stage is a Wolf, and then something odd happens once we beat the Wolf (without losing a single round, by the way).
It's Xain! Whom I totally failed to get a good shot of in Round 1!
After Xain, 6th stage is a Warman, and that's where I pay out for a whopping 60 coins. Another round of Baka Fighter up to Xain gets me another 50 coins, and that gives me enough money to go for the tournament! Finally.
This is an elimination tournament. Each contestant must fight one-on-one against our powerful monsters alone! The more bouts you win, the more tokens you get. There are three levels in the Tournament. The first is Beginner. You have to fight eight monsters in sequence as you would in a normal battle. At the Expert level, a contestant must fight eight monsters wearing only a Seru. As for the Master level, I will say only that you must fight more than eight monsters. After each bout HP automatically increases or decreases, depending on how well, or poorly, you fight. It should also be noted that no items whatsoever may be used during a bout. There are three ways to leave the Tournament: by winning, losing, or running away during a bout. However, running away is considered forfeiting, and no prize money is awarded.
->I want to pay the fee and enter.
Well, Garzan's our hardest hitter, so let's go with her.
...OK, then. Well, Nate's got a buttload of HP and a buttload of MP, so he's ideal for a battle of attrition.
...Why even give me the illusion of choice, Legaia? Why?
Very well. I will now register Statham for the Tournament. There are three levels in the Tournament. Which do you want to enter?
->Beginner
->Expert
->Master
The Muscle Dome Tournament works exactly like a normal fight, except for the part where we can't use items. First round's a Red Piura, 2nd is a Skeleton, 3rd is a Drake Ghost, 4th is Caruban, 5th is Gola Gola, 6th is Zeto, 7th is Viguro Lv. 2, and 8th is Xain.
The between fights screen, which passes rather quickly.
It has this background if you finish a round with under half health.
Unfortunately, it seems I'm not quite ready for this, because Xain manages to beat me.
Contestant Statham has also been awarded 59 tokens.
We get 800-some for successfully winning the Beginner tournament. Just for comparison.
As paltry as our payout is, it's enough to buy at least one thing.
What's the Gold Card, you ask?
Something with almost no practical use, yaaaaayyyyyy!
Maybe I'll get a Seru somewhere, put it on and go downstairs. If I turned into a Seru monster, at least the madness wouldn't be boring! It might be a lot better than being a lifeless shell here.
Here's the place that the Gold Card grants us access to. You know what's in here? Another minigame.
Disco King: Do you want to take lessons from me?
->Yes
->No
Disco King: Good! That's the spirit! Now just do what I do and dance!
Disco King: Good! That's the spirit. Let me teach you. I'll teach you the basics of dancing. Look down at your feet. There is a dance step guide and marks to show you the dance moves. Press the buttons in the same timing as the flashing guide. Timing is everything! Alright, give it a try. Let's see you dance!
Garzan's dancing is kind of ridiculous!
Disco King: If you dance well, the level rises automatically and you can try more advanced steps. Press the Triangle button simultaneously with the last command. But you can only use it three times. Press the Circle or Square button and Triangle button simultaneously for a groovy move. But you only get to do that three times. Okay, Garzan! Let's see you use the Triangle button.
Doot doot more practice dancing. It is, fun fact, hard to get screencaps and do the dancing at the same time.
Disco King: You can also go to a higher level by pressing the Triangle button. Press it when you're ready. Use the Square and X buttons to dance, and press the Triangle button at the right time for a groovy move. That's the basics, Garzan! Alright, practice is over. Now show me your moves, Garzan.
Disco King: 247 points! That was pretty good! Dance is all about rhythm and style! The Triangle button is the secret to dancing! Use it as one of your moves! Garzan, I see real talent in you! Just try a little harder!
Mary: Ha, ha, ha! Don't tell me you're going to enter the contest, are you?
->Yes
->No
Mary: I hate people who don't know their limitations. Lowlifes like that should just disappear.
Man. What a bitch. Let's go kick her ass.
The sign-up fee is 500G. Do you want to enter the contest?
->Yes
->No
Very well. This young lady here, Ms. Garzan. I'll go ahead and sign you up.
I'm almost disappointed that we don't get the illusion of choice here like we did at the Muscle Dome, just because I would totally try to send Nate. For the lulz.
Now let's start the preliminaries for the world-famous Sol Dance Contest! Whoever wins the tough preliminary gets to compete against Queen Mary for the title! The judges are ready. When the music starts, start dancing your hearts out!
Now for the judges' decision. The winners of the Dance Contest preliminaries are...
The blonde girl with the fan leaves the stage and Queen Mary enters, getting all up in Garzan's personal space before smacking her aside so she can take center stage.
What a bitch.
First, a lovely dancer sure to dance gracefully tonight. With pretty green hair, Cathy! Next, in the middle, a dancer of amazing skill and grace, already a legend, Queen of Dance, Mary! Last, a dark horse. An unknown now, but will that change tonight? It's Garzan! Now for that breathtaking moment -- the start of the dance finals!
With an elegant yet energetic style, Garzan has taken the crown! Tonight is the beginning of a new legend.
Prize money of 10,000G and the Swimsuit!
Garzan now has 10,000G and the Swimsuit.
The Swimsuit has no practical value. But the prize money is nice. If Garzan loses the dance competition, she'll run out of the club crying and I would've gotten screencaps of that but, uh. I was not expecting to actually win the competition my first try.
HUGE BITCH BLUH BLUH
Disco King: This is a present from me to the Dancing Queen and her friends. Here, take it!
Statham now has the Speed Chain!
Oh, this looks promising.
But now they call it the Palace of Yawns.
Super promising. Well, let's go check out the act. Surely it can't be that terrible!
Sol-Far: Hi, I'm Sol-Far and this is Sol-Mar.
Sol-Mar: And I'd like to say...
Sol-Far: [Singing] I'm a Sol man! Get it? Sol man? Soul man!
Sol-Mar: Hey, stop joking around, you moron!
Sol-Far: (Grumble, grumble)
...Oh god it's worse. D8
Security is super-tight around these parts, as I casually walk into the backstage area.
Owner: If I did that, all the people here would have nowhere else to go! That's why I keep the place open and let them perform here. I guess you could call it a kind of volunteer work!
Oh, I want to hear the audience laugh just once before I die!
You may want to stop sucking, then.
Mon: Since then, I haven't been able to find a new partner. Hey! Hey, you there! You, the big one! Eh!? Your name is Nathdran? Nathdran, you look just like Pig! Would you go up on stage with me?
->Yes
->No
Mon: What? You'll go on stage with me? Oh, thank you! Alright, the stage is this way. Let's go! What are you worried about? Just deadpan it up there and I'll do the rest. I heard that you're a great straight man! So don't worry, let's go!
What an incredibly one-sided conversation. Mon proceeds to drag poor hapless Nate up on stage. Rather than having us Press X to Be Funny, the screen just fades to black while we hear the audience laugh.
Mon: I forgot how wonderful it is to see people smiling and laughing!
Nathdran: N-No! It's not what you think! Statham! Garzan! Don't get the wrong idea! I-I was just having a serious conversation! Even if a Biron warrior-monk did perform in a... comedy show... No, I mean... The rules of Biron forbid laughter! So, even if I, a Master of Biron, I mean, I would... I could never...
Mon: Hey! Nathdran, what's wrong? Your act was just great, so what's the matter now? That line wasn't very funny.
Garzan: Wow! You're great, Nathdran! You're not just strong, you're funny, too! I wanna go see all the people laughing. I'll be back in a minute.
Nathdran: Wait, Garzan! Statham, stop! Stop looking at me like that! I... It's just that... You know! Oh, well. That Garzan went on by herself. I guess we should follow her!
I find it terribly hilarious seeing the normally calm, collected, and super-serious Nate being all flustered like this. What's this dignity thing you're talking about?
Nate and Statham follow Garzan into the audience, and, when we go to leave, we get a brief scene.
Sol-Far: Just between you and me, that Nathdran, he may be big and strong... But he's a natural-born comedian! In other words, naturally dumb!
Sol-Mar: Hey, hey! You can't say that!
Sol-Far: Don't worry! I can say that, 'cause me and him are good friends. Just the other day, Nathdran was saying to me...
I almost feel bad about doing this to Nate. Almost.
Mon: Thanks to you, I've regained my self-confidence. I'll never say "It's all over for me" again! My partner, Pig, saw our act the other day and agreed to work with me again! Pig says he's done some soul-searching, and I know it's not fair to you, but... Pig and I have decided to work as a team again. Thank you, Nathdran. I have you to thank for everything!
I'm sure Nate's very torn up about never having to go on stage with you again. Devastated, truly.
That wraps up the broadway. Next up is the local bakery.
The Sages just love Soru Bread. That's why everyone loves it so much. But it's so expensive! I wouldn't buy it, either!
She's not kidding, either. Christ.
Go to Muscle Paradise if you think you're tough enough. They give out Soru Bread as prizes.
This is exactly what I'll be doing, because I need my precious monies for buying equipment that I can just barely afford by selling all the items I never use.
Just like always.
And, um, Grandpa went into the Mist to look for Mommy and Daddy. And my, um, big brother went into the Mist to look for Mommy and Daddy and Grandpa. Now I have to go into the Mist to look for everyone.
There's this warehouse that a bunch of kids have taken over.
We don't want any poor little kids around here. Go home!
->I'm not a kid! I'm 14 years old!
->I'm not a poor kid!
->I'm an adult!
->Well I don't want you around!
So, you have money, eh? Well, this is our hangout. If you have money, go inside and buy something.
Here's where we find out Vahn's age! These kids don't really have much. This girl here sells Healing and Magic Fruits at prices I find to be quite unreasonable.
But the boy has something quite nice indeed, a Life Grail. The Life Grail is an accessory that restores a bit of HP for its wearer every turn. He offers it at a ludicrous 90,000G, but we can haggle him all the way down to 40,000G, but no farther. Unfortunately, I have nowhere near 40,000G on hand! But we'll get that grail eventually, oh yes.
No, of course not. Sorry, I thought that young lady there was someone I knew once. Mar was one of Gaza's grandkids. Do you want to hear that story?
->Yes
->No
Gaza had a son named Theodore and two grandkids, Mar and Belde. One day, in the Mist, in the lower levels of Sol, right before Gaza's eyes... The Seru monsters killed Gaza's son and grandkids. That's what made Gaza run mad. All he had left was his sword. His only reason for living was to kill Seru monsters and perfect his swordsmanship.
That he may be killing his own friends and townspeople. But he wouldn't listen.
So yeah Gaza's kind of totally batshit, if the whole "automatically assuming we were Seru monsters when we look like perfectly normal humans" thing didn't tip you off or anything.
For a place that's been without formal leadership for 10 years, Sol's not doing too badly.
I heard that some strange mist had appeared in Conkram during the war with Sol. But thanks to the brave deeds of three strange travelers, that mist disappeared. I wonder if that mist in Conkram has anything to do with the Mist of today.
We take care of children who are all alone now. Some have parents on the lower floors.
I know she calls herself a thief, but... She's really a gentle person. Besides, there are reasons she goes into the Mist to steal. One of them is to pay the operating expenses here. Another reason... Oh, I don't know if I should tell you this, but... Cara said she steals so that she won't regret the love she had. I don't really understand what that means, but it sure sounds complicated and deep.
The Kiddie House is our last stop before we reach Sol's roof finally.
The background music here is different than it was inside Sol, and it's a rather familiar tune! There's a bunch of Biron monks up here!
The only one with anything of particular interest to say is this guy over in the corner, though.
Are you searching for Arts?
->Yes
->No
Ah, just as I thought. Before the Mist, we wrote a book of the secrets of many powerful Arts. But I left it on one of the lower floors. The book's title? P-Please don't ask. It's too embarrassing.
Oh my?
The monks have a little temple set up out here, and when I try to go in, this old guy comes out and blocks my way.
Old Deez: None but the followers of Biron may enter. Let alone those wearing the despised Seru on their person! Go away! Now!
Nathdran: Old Master, wait! Please, wait a moment! I am Nathdran. I embraced Biron and studied under Master Zopu. Please listen to what we have to say. Please!
Old Deeze: Zopu? So, you speak the name of Zopu! He certainly is of Biron... But...
Nathdran: Please forgive my impertinence!
Nate leaps into the air and shows off some of his mad martial art skills.
Garzan: Nathdran, you're so cool!
Nathdran: Biron Martial Arts, seventh degree. What do you think?
Old Deez: Hmm. There indeed is deft mastery in your techniques. Those could only be the secret arts of Biron, taught by Zopu himself! Having seen your skills, it would not do to turn you away. Come with me.
Old Deez: Your tales, Nathdran, Statham, and Garzan... The Ra-Seru and Genesis Trees... To witness such miracles! I am indeed impressed! I apologize for my rudeness earlier. Yes, there is a Genesis Tree here. However...
He goes to retrieve something from the side of the Biron Statue and ohhhhh, tell me that's not it.
Garzan: Hey, Statham! That's only a...
Nathdran: That's... A seedling! That tiny, frail-looking Genesis Tree is going to help us?
Old Deez: Correct! This is a Genesis Tree seedling. That is what we call it. One hundred years ago, the wilted Genesis Tree of the underground Warrior's Square was transplanted here. Amazingly, it transformed itself into this seedling. The prophecy of the Holy Emperor Etora IV says that when the time is right the Genesis Tree in Warrior's Square under Sol, will come back to life. I now entrust you with this Genesis Tree seedling!
Statham now has the Genesis Seedling!
Nathdran: I am honored, Master Deez.
Garzan: Statham! Nathdran! We did it! Now we can drive the Mist from Sol!
Old Deez: Good luck to you. And may Tieg smile on Sol.
I'm pretty sure this is our first mention of Tieg! Tieg'll be important later.
Warrior's Square is located under this town. However, the only way there is through Sage's Gate, which is tightly sealed!
The secret to opening Sage's Gate is in the treasure chests in the lower floors of Sol.
The guy on the upper left gives us a free heal, which is quite nice of him and quite handy, since shit starts going down when we leave the shrine.
Gaza: This I have vowed on my honor, and on the mighty Astral Sword! No one who would prevent me from keeping that vow shall be spared! Now put down that Genesis Tree seedling! Do not resist me! Lest thou die by my blade!
On goes his helmet.
Some of the monks around try to attack Gaza, and our good friend the Flash of Light comes to his aid!
Gaza: Fear not, that was just the back of my sword! I do not take life without reason. I am Gaza! I bear thee no ill will. Yet if thou doth seek to drive away the Mist and with it the Seru... Then I would be forced to stop thine evil scheme by taking thine lives. Now, how dost thou reply?
Oh, Gaza. You're so damn batshit.
Nathdran: There's no reason for us to fight, Gaza! The awakening of the Genesis Tree and your vow... They are the same thing! That means you, old man, and we share a common goal! There is no reason for us to fight. We are not sworn enemies!
Gaza: Misjudge me not! My vow is to live the way of the sword! That and no more! The grounds where my sword holds the power of life and death is the demon's lair below! I exist to fight there! My sword was forged to slay the demons! I live for carnage!
Garzan: Power of life and death? Demon's lair? Carnage? Ooh! I don't understand what that old man is saying at all!
Nathdran: Garzan, the gentleman seems to think if we revive the Genesis Tree and drive away the Mist, then he won't be able to practice his swordsmanship on Seru in Mist anymore.
Garzan: ? That's too weird! That's just too weird! There's something wrong with this old guy!
Nathdran: The Mist can twist people's minds with its very existence.
Gaza: Enough idle talk! Let thine steel do thine talking!
Gaza's a pretty tough old bastard. Click him for an idea of how tough he is. He only has one special attack to his name, and it's a single-target attack, too, the Astral Slash.
The thing is that it does over a thousand damage. There's no warning or pattern to it, so keeping our health up is pretty much essential. And even then he still manages to drop Garzan at one point.
Victory is ours at the end, though!
Nathdran: Such a senseless fight! Why must human fight human?! Statham, the old gentleman still lives. We must treat his wounds, quickly!
OK, do you want the magical bat-monster or the magical plant li--
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Goddammit, Songi, what are you doing here and where did you get that hoverboard?
Songi: You're all a disgrace! Your cruelty puts the Mist's henchmen to shame! Bloodthirsty beasts! How could you murder this poor old man just because he was a little eccentric? Oh, the horror! Just watching it sent a chill through me!
Nathdran: Songi... Y-You bastard!
Songi: Hey, wait! Wait, you simple-minded muscle-bound oaf! I will save the old man! After all, I've taken to him... And unlike you, I am a merciful person. Ha, ha, ha! I'll heal him, and help him recover! So stay alive long enough to see him get better! So long!
Titwalloping fairydusters, Songi, could you be more of an evil little fucker?
Garzan: Statham, is the old man going to be OK? I'm worried about him.
Well, uh, I strongly suspect that'll depend on your definition of "OK". Alternatively, I suspect it would require him to have been OK in the first place, which he kind of. Wasn't.
Well, now it's time for us to head down to the lower levels of Sol! But first I have to go fuck around in the Muscle Dome for forever so I can get all the stupid Soru Bread we're going to need. You guys are lucky you get to skip watching that.
Next time on Let's Play Legend of Legaia: MORE SOL.