Ctesias

(Version 1)

▶ "Heheh, at this point, you've eaten down to the dirt."

(Version 2)

▶ "Haa... I hope today's meal will cheer them up."

(First interaction)

Ctesias: Five doors open wide, two steps in stride, a basket full of parting sighs—

Ctesias: Yellow earth so dry, black earth so soft, red earth stirred in a humble fry—

Is this some kind of tongue twister?

Ctesias: That's right! This is the dromases' recipe, and getting it wrong could lead to malnutrition.

That particular?

Ctesias: Absolutely! I can proudly say dromases eat better than I do!

Ctesias: Oh! I recognize you, great warrior of the outlands! This is truly an honor!

Ctesias: I am Ctesias, one of the caretakers here, but I'd prefer you call me "Chef of the Dromases"!

Ctesias: Whether it's "Four Flavors Redsoil Roast," "Earthbound Delight," or "Ground Buns" — I can whip them all up!

Can humans eat it?

Ctesias: Uh, you can, technically — it won't kill you, but this is actual soil... you probably wouldn't want to...

Lemme have a taste!

Ctesias: You really were going to eat it! I didn't think there was anyone else who would try dirt other than me. In that case, I'll leave you to it.

Ctesias: Here, fresh from the pot — Four Flavors Redsoil Roast. Just give me a heads-up before you dig in so I can look the other way.

You simply put the elegantly prepared, charred piece of... soil in your mouth and took a small lick.

—A supernova ignites in your mouth, only to collapse into a black hole, pulling in every sensation and swallowing all perception.

You are the earth.

"..."

Some time later...

Ctesias: Quite a kick, right? They just love the flavor. By the seventh glass of water, the taste should start to fade — that's what I've learned from experience.

Actually, let's forget it.

Ctesias: Yep, indigestible. Best not to compete with them for it.

Can they actually tell the difference?

Ctesias: Oh, absolutely! Ever since we expanded the menu, the other caretakers say they've become a lot more docile!

Ctesias: It's great to see you, great warrior! If you ever want to feed the dromases or just chat with them, feel free to stop by!

(Unlock Achievement Second Stomach for Soil)

(Subsequent interactions)

Ctesias: Too much sandy soil isn't good for them. Redsoil has just the right nutrients... *licks* Hmm, this taste seems right... ptooey.

Ctesias: Oh! Great warrior! Are you here to visit these big guys today?

I'm surprised that...

Ctesias: Hmm? What's that? Just ask away!

Is there a special way to feed the soil?

Ctesias: Remember when we first met, and I was singing a little song? That's a simplified feeding guide.

Ctesias: Give them five pieces at Entry Hour to build a bond, and two pieces at Action Hour to curb their cravings. But their main meal is at Parting Hour when everyone else is asleep. That's when the dromases gather together to munch — it's their dinner time.

Ctesias: We use redsoil because it's cheap and easy to find, while dry yellowsoil and sticky blacksoil are their favorite delicacies. If they're ever feeling down, you can mix some in as a treat!

Ctesias: Figuring all this out took quite a bit of effort, and I owed a lot to the Mountain Dwellers for their ideas. Creations of Georios have a kind of natural telepathy. I have to admit, I'm a bit envious.

Do they only eat earth?

Ctesias: Uh... just between us, they can actually eat most of what humans can. Georios just gave them the ability to digest the essence of the earth.

Ctesias: So if you're out camping, and your meal mysteriously vanishes the moment you turn your back, and you spot a dromas nearby, munching on dirt and sneaking glances at you — no doubt about it. It's got a craving!

Ctesias: Still, there are some ingredients that can cause allergies, like poultry eggs... hard to say why. Maybe it's because Georios and Aquila don't exactly see eye to eye.

You take your job seriously...

Ctesias: Heh, well, to be honest, when I was a kid, a dromas saved my life. Ever since, I've wanted to be a caretaker and make things better for them. Now, I've finally made that dream come true.

Hmm? Tell me more about how you were saved.

Ctesias: It wasn't anything serious. My family and I were transporting goods outside the city when a direwolf attacked us. Just as it lunged, a passing wild dromas knocked it out cold with a swing of its tail.

Ctesias: Things like this happen pretty often. That's why they say dromases are humans' best friends. By the way, chimeras don't get that title. Apparently, their standards for friendship are way higher...

Any progress on your work?

Ctesias: I've compiled an earth quality chart detailing the nutritional values of various soil types and noting common hazards. It serves as a practical guide for Earth Scouts seeking the best spots for their needs.

Ctesias: Those Grove scholars and even the Council of Elders has approached me because of my work. They've invited me to join Okhema's exploration teams, saying that my talents go far beyond just tending to the creatures.

Ctesias: That won't work for me. Who would take care of these big guys if I left?

Ctesias: Anyway, I love what I do. I'm not looking to switch things up anytime soon.

I won't keep you any longer, Chef!

Ctesias: Heh, I'm embarrassed. Make sure to swing by and hang out with us again soon, great warrior!

I won't keep you any longer, Chef!

Ctesias: Heh, I'm embarrassed. Make sure to swing by and hang out with us again soon, great warrior!

"Fallen Twilight City" Okhema

Ctesias: Hero...

Are you alright?

Ctesias: Not great, not terrible.

Hurry and seek shelter!

Ctesias: I—I can't go. Some of these big fellas are startled... Someone needs to take care of them.

Ctesias: A-actually, when the monsters appeared, I was really scared. I originally wanted to flee with the crowd, but I didn't get that far, only to see a dromas suffering major wounds while protecting the people...

Ctesias: When I came too again, I found myself standing here at the relay post with a full set of medical equipment at the ready...

Ctesias: ...Right. Come to think of it in detail, this place is pretty safe. It's not only protected by Georios, but the big ones will also be watching over us.

The surrounding dromases hum in agreement, as if they are in agreement with this diligent Earth Scout's thoughts.

Don't panic. The Era Nova...

Ctesias: Is coming... right? I don't worry about that, but... what's the new world going to be like... going to be for the dromases?

Ctesias: I heard that the great Kephale will ensure every being in the new world is treated fairly. So... does that mean dromas might turn into chimeras, seals, or something else entirely?

Ctesias: Or maybe we'll turn into dromas, and they'll turn into us? That doesn't sound too bad, actually... Ahh, by Georios above, may there always be a place for the dromas!

So what's your plan now?

Ctesias: I've got nowhere to go. I just paid my respects to my fallen comrades, so after that... I'll be focusing on these big guys. Came up with a few new recipes recently — might as well let 'em try out now.

Ctesias: Come on, fellas! Fresh raw redsoil —

Ctesias: If you've got nowhere else to go, hero, why not stay here with us? With Georios watching over us, everything's going to be okay... It's going to be okay...

Ctesias: How about this... Blacksoil's good, it fills you up quick! Yellowsoil's good, it cures your cravings!

Lucretia: Did you come up with these ad slogans yourself?

Kokopo III: Grumph—

A dromas raised its objection...

Lucretia: You make a good point, but we have no idea what you're saying...

Redsoil's good, I've tried it!

Lucretia: What's the point of having eaten it before! Oh wait, you're...

Ctesias: What are you trying to say? That dromas doesn't see any value in blacksoil and yellowsoil?

Lucretia: Even if it's for promotion, you can't just make up its effects. Look, I've been arguing with this Earth Scout over it the whole time.

Ask the dromases what they like?

You can't prove it until you've tried it yourself...

Ctesias: Do people actually eat dirt?

Ctesias: We've fed them all kinds, and they gobbled up every batch without hesitation.

Lucretia: Right. For all we know, these dirt clumps might not differ regardless of their colors. And calling them "sugar-free"? That's pushing it—

Ctesias: There's definitely a difference! If you don't believe me, I've got this "dromas translator" I bought from the Grove. Let's ask!

Lucretia: Why didn't you say you had that earlier? We wouldn't have spent all this time arguing!

Ctesias: Kokopo III, tell us, which do you prefer: blacksoil or yellowsoil?

Kokopo III: Grumph.

Ctesias: Let me see: "Hmm..."

Lucretia: ...Huh?

Ctesias: "All..."

Lucretia: ...Taking half a minute just to get one word out?

Ctesias: "...Not..."

Lucretia: ...

Ctesias: "Bad..."

Lucretia: ...It's still translating.

Ctesias: ...I shouldn't have taken it out.

Lucretia: Mix black and yellow at a ratio of 7:3. Use it once during the Entry Hour and once during the Parting Hour. Then find some Kremnos soil. Agreed?

Ctesias: Agreed, let's do that then...