Contradiction
Last updated 2025-06-19
Contradiction is an Adventure Mission on Amphoreus. It is part of the Amphoreus Annals chapter.
Steps
- Try to smash the shield
- Find the arbitrator
- Take the Strongest Lance and attack the Strongest Shield with it
- Inspect the quality of the shield
- Listen to the merchant's explanation
- Inspect the quality of the shield for the second time
- Listen to the merchant's explanation
- Inspect the quality of the shield for the third time
- Listen to the merchant's explanation
- Inspect the quality of the lance
Dialogue
Listen to Kelok
Listen- A market wouldn't be one without its hustle and bustle. Even so, the Marmoreal Market today has seen way too much foot traffic.
- What exactly happened to make the discerning and composed people of Okhema stop in their tracks and form such a huge crowd that blocks the road?
- You squeeze past the crowd and emerge in the fray of the commotion...
- Kelok: Have a look, take a gander, these shields are rare treasures hard to come by! Don't miss out! You snooze, you lose!
Listen to the merchants' sales pitches...
- Kelok: Some people may ask: Shields are such a common commodity. What's there to be in awe about?
- Kelok: That's where you're wrong! These are no ordinary shields. They're shields forged from Georios' nails!
- Kelok: Surely everyone knows who Georios is, yes?
- Georios, who's that?
- Everyone knows, and all are aware!
- Kelok: The Pillar of Stone, Georios, the Titan bearing all life upon its back, immovable and indestructible! With a shield forged from its nails, you'll be indomitable and unyielding!
- Kelok: There is even a prophecy stating: Even if the black tide drowns the highest peaks, fills up the deepest ravines, only it can bear our last hopes, pass on the kindling of life, and usher in a new age...
- That's a load of divine bull.
- Did you spin this prophetic yarn yourself?
- Kelok: This customer is a saint for supporting my business. Shall I pack up a shield for you?
- Give me one.
- Kelok: Good eye! You've spotted a treasure for sure.
- Is this shield the real deal?
- Kelok: Beneath Kephale's feet, even if the God of Trickery instigates from the shadows, I wouldn't dare defraud anyone.
- Did it come from a legal source?
- Kelok: No worries about that. My ancestors were all workers in the temple in Icatus, and these were all passed down from them.
- Kelok: It can't be damaged even if it were hurled off the cliff of the Abyss of Fate. There wouldn't be a scratch on it, even if a hundred dromases trampled over it. Even Thanatos would sigh in resignation in the face of this shield.
- Kelok: I dare guarantee that no weapon in this world can shatter this shield — feel tree to test it out, if you don't believe me!
- Couldn't hurt, I guess!
- My bat has something to say about that.
- Kelok: Y—You're really going to test it out!? Okay... allow me to prop it up for you...
- The merchant reluctantly positions the shield.
All just a bunch of swindlers.
Try to smash the shield
Mission DescriptionThe merchant claims this is the most robust shield. Is that for real? Try smashing it!
- Kelok: Not so hard! You'll hurt your hand!
- (Break the shield)
- Kelok: ...Ahhh!!!
- Kelok: Haha, it's a minor setback. Look, you can still use it if you piece it back together. It's very durable.
- I can already see cracks...
- Didn't you say it was indestructible?
- Kelok: Th—The... shield was converting incoming force into its own!
- Kelok: Its structural design is as such: This shield will break in appropriate instances in order to absorb the greatest amount of force. If it were totally unbreakable, it would be the wielder's arm that breaks instead. The benevolent Georios would never wish such a plight on anyone.
- Kilik: Heh-heh, my friend, Georios is called the Pillar of Stone because its spine faces upward, to meet the barrage of harsh storms and blizzards. Even if it had nails, they would be buried deep within the earth — how would mortals even acquire them?
- Kelok: Groundless accusations bordering on blasphemy! ...Why would you malign a compatriot in the same field of work?
- Kilik: I'm just speaking truth. No one has seen Georios' divine figure before, after all. So then... what is truly worth believing?
- Kilik: Seeing is believing! Everyone knows that during the Era Bellica, Nikador once threw their lance into the land — this incident has been recorded in the ballad of bards.
- Kilik: These lances of mine are forged from the shards of that very lance all those years ago! They're as good as the real artifact!
- Another wild flimflammer has appeared?
- You made that up all by yourself too?
- Kilik: Nikador was ever-victorious. Brandishing a lance forged from the lance shard that the god once wielded,, you will be unstoppable and unrelenting! If anyone here is in disbelief, feel free to test it for yourself.
- To have two divine relics surface in the space of a day, Okhema certainly is a mecca of wonderment. The Eternal City certainly lives up to its name to harbor such an impressive arsenal.
- But when you take out your purse and are about to purchase these two legendary masterpieces, a lingering question persists in your mind...
- If you used your lance to attack his shield...
- If you used his shield to block your lance...
- Kelok: I...
- Kilik: That's quite a pickle...
- Male In A Blue Outfit: Why aren't they talking? Could the items be counterfeit?
- Blond Male: Good thing I suppressed my impulse to buy any... Praise reason, praise Cerces!
- Kilik: You, you were just spewing nonsense. What, cat got your tongue now?
- Kilik: If it was just about the goods, I would be more than happy to try them out. But it concerns the honor of two Titans. Without a testifying arbitrator that can convince the crowd, I wouldn't dare jump the gun.
- Kelok: That's right! Without an arbitrator as witness, even if the scales weren't even, Talanton would also never acknowledge this!
- (Trailblazer): (There's no such arbitrator around here... Let's find one.)
Find the arbitrator
- Step DescriptionBoth merchants insist they aren't selling fakes. It seems you'll need to find a credible arbitrator to settle the dispute.
- (Talk to Kelok and Kilik, optional)
- Kilik: It's hard to find an qualified arbitrator, but don't worry, I will give you a discount!
- Kelok: That's right. Talanton will never approve the outcome of the contest without an arbitrator as a witness!
- (Talk to Male In A Blue Outfit, optional)
- Curious Child: Who do you think will win this?
- Male In A Blue Outfit: I will bet money that the Strongest Lance can smash that shield to pieces!
- Curious Child: And you're an expert?
- (Talk to Female Bystander, optional)
- Blond Male: I like the design of this spear, but I'm not sure about the quality...
- Female Bystander: I'm not being picky. It's just neither of their wares seems particularly good.
- (Talk to Chartonus)
- Chartonus: Passing by, to purchase masonry materials, I am.
- Chartonus: Crowded and noisy. For what reason is it so?
- You can't be sure who will win exactly, but you're absolutely certain that no one knows arms forging better than this Grand Craftsman, so you elaborate the details to him.
- Chartonus: Weapons, forged by Titans? Impossible, it is. But observe, willing I am.
- Curious Child: The unstoppable lance versus the immovable shield... That's a cliffhanger right there! You want to make a bet?
- Male In A Blue Outfit: Zagreus came to me in a dream yesterday, saying that my fortune will be delivered today. If I don't nap this chance, it will surely pelt my head with coins, and demand to know what's stored inside!
- Blond Male: With the current situation, the supporters on both sides are about even right now. You could consider it!
- Bet on the Strongest Shield.
- You know that baseball bat's power, and the feel of the shield's impact also told you — it can withstand a hit from that lance.
- Curious Child: All right! You must've noticed something if you're that certain. May Zagreus favor you!
- Bet on the Strongest Lance.
- An item's value lies in its provenance. Compared to Georios' Nail, Nikador's Lance sounds much more plausible. You're sure that this extraordinary lance will shatter the shield's defenses.
- Curious Child: All right! You must've noticed something if you're that certain. May Zagreus favor you!
- I'd better not get involved.
- You've been suspicious of these two merchants' claims from the start, and decide not to get involved.
Take the Strongest Lance and attack the Strongest Shield with it
- Step DescriptionChartonus has agreed to act as the arbitrator — what an exciting turn of events! Now, take up the Strongest Lance and attack the Strongest Shield!
- (Talk to Kelok and Kilik)
- Kilik: ...You really found one?
- Kelok: A paltry matter like this doesn't deserve the attention of the Grand Craftsman!
- Chartonus: Interested, I am, in this matter. Polite refusal, no need.
- Kilik: For the Grand Craftsman to personally preside over this, we are at a loss for words...
- Female Bystander: Stop stalling! Thrust the Strongest Lance at the Strongest Shield!
- A crisp clang, and the lance and shield... both shatter the instant they touch each other.
- Male In A Blue Outfit: Both have been broken? Could these be counterfeit?
- Blond Male: Someone, call the guards! Have these two charlatans arrested!
- Kilik: Uhh...
- Kelok: Ahem... Some customers may ask, why did the lance and shield break at the same time?
- Kelok: The answer appears complicated, but is quite simple: The powers of both Titans are equal, so the outcome is naturally a stalemate!
- Kilik: Hey! Even Zagreus' disciples will blush at your ability to lie through your teeth!
- Kilik: That's right. When the lance met the shield, did you feel like your eyes were shrouded, perhaps not even able to see the actual clash? That's the explosive remnant power of the Titans.
- Kelok: Haha, you're pretty good too!
- I understand now...
- So far-fetched. I want my money back!
- Kilik: You didn't even buy anything! Stop trying to make things up!
- You all could see the black screen too?
- Kelok: ...Black screen? Life isn't some theater play, and you can't just decide when to draw or pull the curtains!
- Chartonus: Not accurate, the duel was.
- Chartonus: Strike an ordinary shield, with the strongest spear one will. Strike the strongest shield, with an ordinary weapon one shall.
- Understood. The method of control variables.
- Let me try again!
- Chartonus: Act in haste, do not, before truth you see.
- Chartonus: Act later, not too late it is, after the truth is revealed.
- Kelok: The Grand Craftsman's words ring true. If weapons blessed by Titans directly clash with each other, both would surely be severely damaged. But against commonplace weapons, the outcome would be vastly different.
- Both merchants follow Chartonus' instructions and position a shield.
Inspect the quality of the shield
- Step DescriptionThe merchants still refuse to acknowledge that the lance and shield are both fakes. Left with no other option, you decide to test the shield's quality using a regular weapon.
- (Break the shield)
Listen to the merchant's explanation
- Female Bystander: This shield made of paper mache? It's as brittle as a baths tile.
- Kelok: It shattered again — what is this godly might? Could you be Nikador itself?
- Kelok: Again! Let's see how you do against three of 'em!
Inspect the quality of the shield for the second time
- (Break all shields)
Listen to the merchant's explanation
- Female Bystander: What exactly can this shield protect? The enemy's wrists?
- Kelok: A—All three shields were smashed!?
- Kelok: Again! This can't be real! Let's see you smash ten shields in one strike!
Inspect the quality of the shield for the third time
- (Break all shields)
Listen to the merchant's explanation
- Kelok: Agaaain!
- All the shields have been shattered...
- How about you ring up Georios for more inventory?
- Chartonus: On this shield, conclusion can one make.
- Chartonus: The lance's quality, one shall test again...
Inspect the quality of the lance
- Step DescriptionThe merchants still refuse to acknowledge that the lance and shield are both fakes. Now, it's time to assess the lance's quality.
- (Trailblazer): (Do as Chartonus suggests and test the spear against a normal shield...)
- (After attacking the shield three times)
- After a few strikes, a number of the spears had snapped... The merchant wipes a cold sweat from his brow.
- (Trailblazer): (Try the rest of them...)
- (After attacking the shield two more times)
- All other lances have been defeated, yet the shield remains steadfast and unshaken.
- Chartonus: Such flimsy material, I've never seen.
- This isn't my full power.
- This is for scratching backs or something?
- Curious Child: How dare you swindle others using Georios' name — a most blasphemous act!
- Female Bystander: May Nikador drop their lance over your head! The guards are already on their way. Prepare for judgment!
- Kelok: *sigh* If you play with fire, you're bound to get burned. Let's just admit our defeat this time.
- Kilik: No fear of firewood as long as you stay in the mountains. A moment's mistake isn't the end of the world, and there'll always be another time to rise again.
- Come clean and you'll receive lighter punishment.
- I hope your licenses get suspended.
- Blond Male: To think the lances and shields have all been destroyed. I've lost my entire fortune.
- Male In A Blue Outfit: Lord Zagreus, were your words in my dream a whimsical prank...
- (If you betted on either the Shield or Lance)
- Curious Child: Bah, no one got it right. I've lost all my money. Never should've gotten involved in this fracas.
- (If you did not get involved)
- Curious Child: Bah, your prediction was most astute. No one got it right. The money's all yours. I shouldn't have gotten involved in this ruckus to begin with.
- (Mission completed)
- (Obtain
Memory Crystal Shard ×2) - (Unlock Achievement The (Trailblazer) Paradox)
Post-Mission
- (Talk to Kelok and Kilik after leaving and re-entering the area)
- Kelok: Oho, it's you, dear customer! Long time!
- You've been released?
- What are you two doing together again?
- Kelok: Those Talanton disciples bickered for a long time in the citizens' assembly, not knowing how to decide the case. Finally, we were declared innocent by a vote's difference, so we just paid the fine. It was a harrowing experience.
- Kilik: With your blessing, we discovered that there was an equally shrewd talent in Okhema! We hit it off instantly, and decided to do business together.
- What are you intending to sell this time?
- Only honest trade, of course!
- Kelok: Speaking of that, we should really ask your opinion.
- Kelok: What business do you think is good now? Lamps that have had Aquila's eyes gazed upon them, or silks dyed by Oronyx?
- Kilik: As long as we can spin, the world is paved with opportunity!
- There's truly no hope for you...
- Just wait till you get caught again!
- Kelok: Haha, earning our pots of gold is inevitable now that we're working together. You just wait for our good news!
Trivia
- This mission's story is based on the spear and shield paradox from the Chinese philosophical book Han Feizi (Chinese: 韩非子 "Book of Master Han Fei"). The Chinese term for "contradiction" is 矛盾 máodùn, which literally translates to "spear and shield."
Other Languages
| Language | Official Name |
|---|---|
| English | Contradiction |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 自相矛盾 |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 自相矛盾 |
| Japanese | 自己矛盾 |
| Korean | 자기모순 |
| Spanish | La contradicción |
| French | Contradiction |
| Russian | Ожидание и реальность |
| Thai | หอกโล่ขัดแย้งกัน |
| Vietnamese | Mâu Thuẫn |
| German | Selbstwiderspruch |
| Indonesian | Kontradiksi |
| Portuguese | Contradição |
Change History
Released in Version 3.0