Enemies Cross Paths in the Square
You arrived right on time, Captain!
This quest is our chance to spread the name of the Voyager Savior Party across the Eastern Continent!
Our golden opportunity to become a big-time Savior Party!
I— *Huff!* ran here— *Wheeze!* as fast as I could...!
Our guests from the Wind Moon Sect are waiting inside. Let's hurry.
And this quest might even be... Fufu...!
As we entered the reception room, I saw a girl sleeping on the couch, some kind of bird, and a woman sitting upright.
What do you think, Captain?
Older or younger, they're all cute and pretty, right?
What does that have to do with the quest?
Fufu. Well then, enjoy your time—I mean, please make yourselves comfortable!
Just before the door closed, Lisa mouthed "golden opportunity" and left.
Nice to meet you, Journey Captain.
I am Lyn.
I teach the children's class at the Wind Moon Sect in the Eastern Continent.
Children's class?
Yes. The Wind Moon Sect is a martial sect that established techniques to fight Voidborns.
Originally, those teachings were passed down only to a select few.
But about a hundred years ago, it was opened to the public, and now we teach everyday physical exercises as well.
I teach children the sect's martial arts and proper etiquette.
Wait...
Did you run here? You're sweating quite a bit...
Just a moment. I have a handkerchief.
There now ♪ There we go ♪ All done— ah!
M-my apologies. I deal with children so often that I treated you like one without thinking...
...Huh?
You're thanking me...? Fufu. I'm glad.
Serpang, Toto? It's time to wake up.
*Yawn*
Coo...
...You're the Journey Captain?
You don't look that special...
...
Serpang? Judging someone by appearance is a bad habit.
Remember that everything we do represents the Wind Moon Sect.
Ugh... A-alright, Senior Sister Lyn.
Hey there, Journey Captain. I'm Serpang. And this is my friend Toto.
Coo!
That's one strange-looking owl.
Coo?! Coooo!
*Yawn...* People from the West might think Toto's an owl...
But Toto is a Mystic. A phoenix, actually.
When he's fully grown, he'll grow big enough to cover the sky.
Coo! Coooo!
Maybe it's because I haven't eaten yet, but... *Yawn*
I'm sleepy...
Captain, do you have any snacks? Something sweet, preferably?
Serpang...! That's rude to ask of someone you just met.
I have candy.
As soon as I took out some candy from my pocket, Serpang snatched it away.
Wow! Orange-flavored candy! This kind of stuff is rare on the Eastern Continent. Toto, let's share it!
Coo!
Mmmn... Ehehe! So sweet and delicious...!
Captain, do you have anything else?
Serpang, Toto...?
May I have a word with you two?
*Gasp!*
Coo?!
I have other flavors too.
I handed them more candy from my pocket.
Eat as much as you want.
...
...Is something wrong?
...I think I'm beginning to understand what kind of person you are, Captain.
The way you show kindness even to strangers...
Fufu. Here's a praise pat for you!
For some reason, Lyn patted my head.
The first place I guided them to was downtown NOA.
This is the downtown area of NOA.
Whoa...! So this is downtown NOA!
I heard the famous Cafe Strega is around here. Is it nearby? Hehe!
Coo!
...There are a lot of alleys.
If someone tried to escape through there, it would be difficult to pursue them...
?
Next, I guided them to the plaza.
So many people at this hour... NOA truly has a large population.
...What do you think, Toto? Do you see anything?
...Coo.
I see. That's expected.
You can't get full from the first bite.
...?
I'm tired!
NOA really is huge... There's no end to it...
Coooo...
Captain, how long would it take to see all of NOA at this pace?
About a week, probably.
...That's longer than expected. We should pick up the pace.
Serpang, Toto? Let's move.
Aw... But we just started on our break...
Coo...!
Fufu. We still have a long road ahead.
Oh! Or perhaps you'd like an herbal pill? It helps with fatigue.
H-herbal pill...?! O-on second thought, let's go!
C-cooo! Coo!
Fufu. Captain, please continue.
Hmm...?
Lyn. Serpang, Toto. And Captain.
It's been a while.
Lugh! You're in NOA? It's good to see you!
Lugh! Long time no see!
What brings you all together?
I accepted a quest to guide them around NOA.
You know each other?
Yes.
...As if that explained everything, Lugh said nothing more.
Lugh still isn't great at explaining things, huh?
Is that so? I see my explanation was lacking.
Fufu. Though we had different masters, Lugh and I trained together ten years ago.
Perfect timing. I have a question.
Where is Fei?
Fei...?
Recently, people searching for Fei have been gathering in NOA.
What exactly did she do? And why isn't she with you?
O-oh right! We forgot to visit Cafe Strega!
Captain, show us the way!
We already passed Cafe Strega earlier.
Yeah, yeah. It's fine! Let's get going!
Coo! Coo!
...Could you go ahead first?
I'll see Lugh off and follow shortly.
As we walked toward Cafe Strega, Serpang spoke up.
Captain, what's your relationship with our Sect Master?
...You've never even met him? Really?
Then why did he specifically request you, of all people?
I have no idea either.
Huh... Well, I guess it doesn't matter.
If the Sect Master decided it, there must be a reason.
Coo!
...Hmm?
You have a question too? What is it?
Why did the three of you come to NOA?
It doesn't seem like you're here as tourists.
Well... Hm...
The Sect Master didn't say it was confidential... So I guess it's fine to tell you.
But you have to treat us at Cafe Strega in return! Deal? Ehehe!
Coo!
...The Wind Moon Sect has a secret library.
It stores martial manuscripts from a thousand years ago and rare texts found nowhere else on the continent.
Only the Sect Master is allowed inside.
But one day, one of the sect disciples ran off with a manuscript known as the Celestial Manuscript from there.
The Celestial Manuscript?
Yeah. It's a manuscript of a long-lost martial sect.
I heard it doesn't contain anything special. Just philosophy and basic techniques.
But that doesn't change the fact that she broke into the secret library and stole it.
So the Wind Moon Sect expelled that disciple and has been chasing her to retrieve the manuscript.
We couldn't find any traces of her for years.
But recently, we heard someone was going around NOA challenging dojos.
If you hear the name Fei, let us know. Even a small clue helps.
Fei...? Could it be...
Why? Have you heard of her?
Coo?
You've already met Senior Sister Fei?! Really?!
Coo?!
...So it was true. She really is in NOA.
But... hmm...
I have no clue where to find her.
Well, whatever. We'll meet her eventually.
Ah! The one with the body suited for martial arts! We meet again.
That's way sooner than I expected!
Coo!
Serpang and Toto? It's been a while. Doing well?
Nice to see you two again! Did you come all the way to NOA just to see me? How admirable!
Having popped out of nowhere, Fei began patting Serpang and Toto on the head.
(This has none of the tension I was expecting...)
Hey! Let go!
Huh?
Don't get the wrong idea! We're here under the Sect Master's orders.
Return the Celestial Manuscript and come with us, Fei. Otherwise—!
...I see.
Ngh...!
The atmosphere changed in an instant as Fei spoke in a low voice.
So you've come to take me in.
But as I recall, I already informed the Sect Master that I would return the Celestial Manuscript once I completed the Celestial Art.
As if! All you did was leave a note and run away!
Toto!
Coo!
Oh? So you wish to challenge me?
Disciple of the Wind Moon Sect, Serpang! And Toto!
Fugitive Fei! We'll defeat you and take you back to the Eastern Continent!
Coo!
Hah! If you challenge me, I have no reason to refuse.
What about you?
The Journey Captain isn't involved.
This is Wind Moon Sect business. We'll handle it ourselves. Right, Toto?
Coo!
Journey Captain...? So that's who you were!
I would like to spar with you someday, but this comes first.
I'll allow you to make the first three moves.
No, actually, I'll give you five. Come, Serpang, Toto.
No need to tell us twice! Let's go, Toto!
Coo!