Explorer’s Association

[Story, start of demo]

Kabbu: ...Or at least, those were the stories I was told in my land.

Kabbu: Despite many unfortunate incidents, tales of your people helped me keep my adventuring spirit alive.

Maki: Rest assured, Beetle. They are not mere legends, but real history.

Maki: This Explorers' Association, and all the explorers who risk their wings for glory, are proof of that.

Kabbu: Then, Sir Maki, would you consider my earlier offer?

Maki: ...Beetle...sorry, but I cannot. I respect your passion, but my team is already full.

Maki: Even if it were not, we take missions of the highest danger. An unproven warrior is not fit to accompany us.

Kabbu: Unproven!? Maki, I am a veteran of the north!

Maki: A north unknown to us, for which we can't credit you.

Maki: Your knowledge of our culture, and your passion for exploring are as true as my blade's edge, Beetle.

Maki: But, I would ask you to not press the issue - this is not the place to cause a scene.

Kabbu: Ngh…

Vi: WHAT? Care to say that AGAIN!?

Eetl: As I said, we cannot allow children to explore! Much less Snakemouth Den!

Vi: I AM NOT A KID!

Maki: ...So much for not causing a scene.

Maki: Would you accompany me, Beetle? It is my duty to investigate.

Kabbu: Hm. If you insist..

Textbox: Use |button,0|, |button,1|, |button,2| and |button,3| to move around! Press |button,4| to jump or talk to people!

Gen: Ooh! Maki! He's getting ready to serve justice!

Eri: No, he's just gonna cause a scene again. Like always.

Kabbu: This sort of thing occurs frequently?

Gen: Hey! Didn't Maki ask for you? Don't make him wait, or I'll make you pay!

Eri: Gen, you're embarassing me! You're not the head of his fangirl club!

Gen: Yes I am!

Kabbu: (I'm just going to walk right out of this one.).

Kabbu: Greetings, explorer.

Zasp: What do you want? You shouldn't keep Maki waiting.

Kabbu: (...He's right. Why am I up here?)

Artis: Would ya mind coming back a bit later? Look at all this darn paper work!

Kabbu: (Hm. I shouldn't disrupt his work.)

[Story, approach group]

Maki: Eetl...bee...lower your voices! What is the matter?

Vi: This guy's calling me a kid, says I can't explore!

Eetl: Shouting isn't going to change the rules, you child!

Vi: Shut it. I bet I'm older than you!

Vi: I'm Bee, the best explorer the hive has ever seen!

Vi: You should be gasping at my presence!

Kabbu: An explorer...bee?

Vi: Yeah. Got a problem? Saying bees can't explore? Expected honey and paint?

Kabbu: I didn't say that, but…

Maki: Silence, please. This guild of ours is no place for petty squabbles.

Eetl: Look. I can't just give a permit to a random bee. Much less without a partner. Teams should have at least two explorers, you know?

Vi: I'm worth like four bees, okay?!

Kabbu: ...Hey. Bee.

Vi: What do you want?

Kabbu: Why don't we join forces?

(minibubble) Maki: ...

Kabbu: We both wish a permit, yet lack a companion…

Vi: What, do I look that desperate? I don't even know you!

Kabbu: I have a promise I must keep, and for that I must explore. How bad could it be?

Vi: ...Well, can't be worse than having to stay put.

Eetl: Wait, you two are just crazy! You won't last a second at Snakemouth!

Vi: Say that to my face!

Maki: No.

Maki: You are both, most likely, mere novices, ruled by your strong emotions…

Maki: I have no doubt if you left today, you would not return but in a bag.

Kabbu: ...Sir Maki. Although you outrank me in spades, you shouldn't understimate me.

Vi: Yeah. Bugs like you that look down on others are really annoying.

Maki: Hmm. Very well. I shall test your resolve.

Vi: Test us, huh? Who named you king of this joint?

Maki: The Ant Queen herself, for she has knighted me as her Royal Blade!

(minibubble) Eetl: Oh dear...

Kabbu: Sir Maki...I accept your challenge. Bee, get ready!

Vi: Watch your own horn, I was born ready!

[Battle]

Kabbu: Bee, our opponent is no amateur. Would you like to review some combat tips?

Textbox: Sure.

No need.

Vi: See? We're doing great!

Kabbu: Don't let your guard down, Bee. After our turn ends, it is the enemy's turn!

Vi: I know! And if I press |button,4| at the right time…

Textbox: Pressing |button,4| before an enemy hits you reduces damage received!

Vi: O-ow! What the heck!? You trying to kill us or something?

Maki: Hmph. If you can't handle that much, you should surrender.

Maki: At home, you can guard honey with your silly toy!

Vi: Toy!? Argh. Now I'm mad!

Kabbu: We should pay him back, tenfold!

Vi: It's time to use a skill! They're just like attacks, but you select them from the yellow flower!

Vi: Skills require us to use our TP (Teamwork Points), however. So watch out how much we have left!

Kabbu: We should patch your wounds too, using items from the blue flower.

Textbox: Toggle between commands using |button,2| and |button,3|!

[Post-battle]

Kabbu: S-such skill with the blade...!

Maki: ......You pass.

Vi: What?!

Maki: You performed well enough...I could feel your desire to see the world through your attacks.

Maki: I am no one to keep you from your Explorer Permit.

Maki: Eetl, you may grant these two the permit. I shall take responsability for it.

Eetl: I get no say in this, huh?

Eetl: ...but Maki IS the Queen's blade. Here you go, you two.

Textbox: You got a Explorer Permit!

Vi: I did it! Snakemouth Den is going to be all mine! All the riches, all the glory!

(minibubble) Kabbu: Er, we did it.

Maki: Snakemouth Den...it lays to the west of the association. A simple path, although filled with danger.

Maki: Few who venture ever return...but there is much treasure to be found.

Kabbu: Treasure, huh…

Kina: MAKI!!!

Kina: Seriously, brother! How long are you going to keep me waiting!?

Maki: ...I'm sorry, Kina.

Maki: Bee, Beetle...I must be going now. As you can see, duty calls me.

Maki: May you succeed in your mission.

Vi: What a weird bunch.

Kabbu: He ended up causing quite the scene himself.

Kabbu: But that fighting prowess...How many years must he have trained?

Vi: ...So uh. I'm Bee, I guess. From the Hive near the big tree.

Kabbu: And I am Beetle. I moved in just one moon ago, from the north.

Vi: Cool.

Kabbu: Indeed.

Kabbu: Um, Sir Maki said Snakemouth was to the west, right? Should we get moving?

Vi: Right! Yeah! Let's go right away! Don't fall behind, okay?

Kabbu: You need not worry about me. Let us depart.

(minibubble) Eetl: ……

Eetl: Hey, wait you two!

Vi: Something wrong?

Eetl: You know what the goal of the Snakemouth expedition is, right?

Textbox: Of course!

Nope.

Textbox: Change the party leader by pressing |button,6|!

Textbox: You can check your inventory, stats and other things by pressing |button,8|!

Vi: Heh. Couldn't stop me from exploring, could you?

Eetl: You can be sassy at me if you want, but I was just worrying about you.

Kabbu: Give him some credit, Bee.

Kabbu: Exploring isn't a game. Many...have been lost while searching for treasure.

Vi: I know that! But we're not going to be one of those.

Vi: Even Maki thinks we're decent.

Eetl: I hope his intuition is right.

Kabbu: As do I. Let's not be careless, Bee.

Vi: We'll make it back, don't worry.

[first talk]

Gen: Oh, Eri, why must Maki be so dreamy?

Eri: Have you gone mad, Gen!? He's so arrogant!

Vi: You tell her, Eri.

Kabbu: Hmm...Pompous as he was, he was at least kind enough to test us.

Eri: Oh, no. He does that to everyone. You see this once a week.

Gen: Oh, Maki...such a show off~

Vi: Argh! That stupid, roleplaying wannabe gatekeeper! I'll show him!

Kabbu: ...This will not stand.

Kabbu: I shall challenge him to a duel to the death, our honor on the line!

Gen: H-Hey! You don't have to go that far!

Vi: Oh, um, he's just kidding! Right, Beetle?

Kabbu: ...Err, yes. Of course. "Kidding". I was most certainly only jesting.

Gen: You better have been!

Vi: Let's just go, Beetle.

[subsequent talks]

Eri: Stay out of trouble.

Gen: And far away from Maki!

Zasp: Hm. Good showing. Not many stand Maki's blade.

Kabbu: Why, thank you. I assume you've endured it as well?

Zasp: Anyone who belongs to this association can say at least that much.

Vi: Woah. So everyone here is crazy strong!

Zasp: Or they've found a reliable partner to carry them.

Vi: What? You trying to say something?

Zasp: Not at all. If you're offended by it, it only shows your insecurity.

Vi: What's your deal!? You want to fight!?

Kabbu: Stop, you two!

Kabbu: Bee...we just got granted our permit. Let's not get into trouble.

Vi: Grr. Fine. Let's just go.

Zasp: Heh. Good luck, you two. You'll need it.

[first talk]

Artis: Phew...finally done. Sometimes work just doesn't stop coming!

Vi: Uh, okay. Who are you again?

Artis: Excuse ya! I'm Artis, and I keep this place running.

Kabbu: Oh? Thank you for all your hard work.

Vi: Uh, yeah. Thanks.

Artis: So you two faced Maki, eh? Bet ya found it a tad too easy?

Vi: You know it!

Artis: Heh. I see you lot like challenge. One sec, I have this one thing......please take it.

Kabbu: What is this...? A medal?

Artis: Let's say it should make things more interesting for ya. The higher the risk, the higher the reward, as they say.

Artis: If you defeat any powerful enemies while wearing it...come see me, alright?

Kabbu: Suspicious…

Vi: But I won't say no to free stuff!

Kabbu: Indeed, thank you for entrusting us with it. Take care, Artis.

Artis: Safe exploring, folks. Remember to check in now and then.

[subsequent talks]

Artis: What're ya waiting for? Go explore! I gotta deal with the work coming in…

[first talk]

Vi: Hey, why're you hitting that crystal? You could break it, you know?

Celia: Huh? You REALLY don't know?

Vi: Got a problem?

Levi: Forgive my partner, her mouth is most loose.

Kabbu: This is an...Ancient Crystal, correct? They're unique to this land.

Levi: Correct. They can store the record of previous travelers...if you smack them with something.

Levi: This crystal is yellow, so it will even heal your wounds!

Vi: You expect me to believe that? All that awesome stuff for hitting a rock?

Levi: Hmph. You are one of little faith.

Celia: If you don't believe us, we can demostrate whenever you want!

Kabbu: That would be wonderful. Please, do so.

Levi: It is done.

Vi: W-Woah! It really works! This must sell for a fortune!

Celia: All you'll get for this crystal is prison time.

Levi: Only the Ant Queen can authorize placing these rocks in public spaces.

Levi: Even if you find one in the wild, they are too heavy to be carried by a single bug.

Vi: Ugh...that's so boring.

Kabbu: Still, their properties are amazing! Let's use them when we can, Bee.

Vi: Sure. Let's just get on our way.

Levi: Best of luck!

Celia: ...Best of luck.

[subsequent talks]

Levi: Come for some healing?

Textbox: Yes

No

[subsequent talks]

Celia: It's nice of you to make friends and all, but don't distract us too much.

Celia: We'll be going on an expedition of our own soon, and we must prepare.

Kabbu: Hm. Best of luck, then.

Miner Ant: Last night's rain was really heavy. We are very busy clearing up the paths, sorry for the inconvenience.

Miner Ant: Heave ho, heave ho!

Cricketly: Argh! These rocks are getting in the way of our trade routes!

Cricketly: If this isn't cleared soon, we will lose money! Get on with it, ants! This should never even happen!!

Huscada: I understand my wife is upset, but there is nothing we can do until the rocks are cleared.

Fuzzo: …Hmph. I should have gone into the city earlier. Now I have to wait until this mess is cleared.

Sign: North: Ant Kingdom

West: Snakemouth Way

South: Golden Path.

Ant Guard: The path ahead leads to Snakemouth Den. Currently only licensed exploration teams can pass.

Ant Guard: Do you have a permit?

[Talk after opening gate]

Ant Guard: May the Queen watch over you.

[Post-completing prologue]

[Overworld Spy]

Vi: Ah, it's nice to be back in the outskirts.

Kabbu: Indeed. It's a relief to return to the association safely.

Leif: Was this area built pretty recently?

Vi: Uh...I haven't been out here that long, so I don't really know.

Kabbu: Regardless, it makes me pretty nostalgic.

Kabbu: Back then, everyone thought Bee was a small helpless child!

Vi: Stop! This nostalgia trip is over!

Leif: …

[Spy Gen or Eri]

Kabbu: P-Please, let's not deal with Gen and Eri.

Kabbu: They always drag me into their quarrels…

Leif: Hey! Gen! Eri!

Kabbu: Moth! Stop that this instant!

Artis: Hey! You're back. Let's see how you have been doing with that medal of mine…

Artis: Come back later when you've bonked some extra hard heads with that medal, will ya?

[Spy Artis]

Kabbu: That's Artis the Mantis. He is the accountant of the association, and someone who loves challenges.

Kabbu: I've heard he gives prizes to members that have accomplished difficult tasks recently.

Vi: By the time we're done, he won't have any prizes left to give out!

[First talk]

Kina: Oh no...Maki went off by himself? Again!?

Leif: Maki?

Vi: It's a LONG story. I'll tell you later.

Kabbu: Kina, your brother is one of the most respected explorers. He will be okay!

Kina: I know, I know…

Kina: But the nerve of him going without me! We're an unbeatable team! What if he needs me!?

Leif: Maybe what he needed was a little space…

Kina: WHAT WAS THAT!?

Leif: Nothing. Nothing at all.

Kina: That's what I thought!

Vi: S-She's scaring me. Let's get out of here!

[Subsequent talks]

Kina: Just leave me alone. I'll worry by myself.

Kabbu: Sigh. Good job, Moth.

Leif: We didn't do anything.…

[Spy Kina]

Kabbu: This is Kina, Maki's sister.

Kabbu: She always worries a lot about her brother, maybe a bit too much.

Vi: Speaking of him, I don't see him anywhere. Where do you think he went?

Eetl: Hey! Nice going at Snakemouth!

Eetl: We have some quests in right now, if you are interested in taking any jobs.

Eetl: Just check the board behind me.

[Spy Eetl]

Kabbu: That's Eetl, the caretaker of the Association.

Kabbu: He watches over the quest board and helps teams with their tasks.

Vi: He needs to learn when to relax sometimes, though.

Kabbu: Bee, please don't cause him any trouble.

Vi: I won't! ...As long as he doesn't cause ME trouble.

[Select quest from board]

Eetl: That's the quest you want to take on?

Textbox: Yes

No

Bandit: Keh keh. Interested in heading to Snakemouth? I sure am going there now.

Bandit: I know a route to get there quickly. For only one berry, I can take you there...deal?

Textbox: Yes

No

[Spy Bandit]

Vi: This guy looks super shady.

Leif: It's not like we look any better.

Kabbu: Nonsense. I look trustworthy and approachable!

Vi: …

Leif: …

Kabbu: H-Hello?

Huscada: Hey! Welcome to our humble stall! Please excuse my wife, she has a short temper.

Huscada: Can I help you with something?

Textbox: I'd like to sell.

What do you do here?

I'm just browsing.

[Spy Huscada]

Kabbu: This is one of the members of the traveling caravan.

Kabbu: He is always managing trades and sometimes calming his wife down.

Vi: How did someone like him end up with a hot headed cricket like her anyway?

Kabbu: Bee, we shouldn't pry on other people's affairs!

Kabbu: ...Even if I am curious about that too..

Cricketly: We're back in business! Check out what we have in stock! Stand near an item and press |button,4|!

Cricketly: If you want to sell stuff, talk to my husband about it.

[Inspect item]

Cricketly: Interested in that |string,0|? How does |currency,var,1| sound to you?

Textbox: I will take it!

No Thanks.

[Examine medal]

Cricketly: Oh! That's a very rare Speed Up medal!

Cricketly: It hurts me to part with it, but how does 50 berries sound to you?

Textbox: I will take it!

No Thanks.

[Spy Cricketly]

Kabbu: She is one of the members of the traveling caravan. I've heard she is pretty hot headed.

Vi: No kidding, you can already tell by her looks!

Kabbu: She does have a soft spot for her husband, though.

Kabbu: It seems we shouldn't judge people by their appearances.

Leby: Oh, Dib! Where have you gone off to!?

[Spy Leby]

Kabbu: Geez, she's crying really hard. We should probably leave her be.

[Quest: My Brother is Gone!]

[Spy Leby, before talking]

Vi: Isn't that the girl that posted that request in the board?

Kabbu: Yes it is, Bee. We should talk to her and see what she needs.

Leif: She's crying. We must be in the right place.

(minibubble) Kabbu: Moth! Have some tact!

Leby: ...You...are you explorers?

Vi: You know it. We saw your post on the wall!

Leby: Oh, thank goodness!

Leif: So, your brother went missing?

Leby: Y-Yes. He's been going on about getting me some treasure for my birthday…

Leby: Even though I told him I didn't need anything…

Leby: He hasn't come yet! He must be lost in Snakemouth Den!

Vi: Don't worry, Leby. I'm on the case!

(minibubble) Leif: …

Kabbu: Indeed. We will escort you safely. I am sure he is okay.

Leby: Oh, thank you! Let's go. I can't stand imagining him all alone!

Leif: ...Yes, let's get going.

[Returning from Snakemouth]

Leby: Again, thank you for everything.

Leby: I hope we caused no trouble for you.

Kabbu: No problem. Stay safe, you two.

Vi: Come, let's find something else to do!

Leif: ...Take care, you two.

Leby: Thank you so much for everything. I really mean it!

Dib: Thanks for the save. One day I'll be a cool explorer like you three!

[Spy Leby or Dib]

Vi: Heh. These two look much happier lately.

Kabbu: It is that joy we bring that gives purpose to explorers.

Vi: And the rewards! That medal was super good!

Kabbu: …

Vi: A-And the joy! Lots of joy.

Leif: Alright, let's go.

[End of quest-related dialogue]

[Examine locked door]

Textbox: I am currently not home. If you need me, leave a message with the lovely ladybugs next door. - Madeleine