Demetria

(Version 1)

▶ "Oho, grab some fresh fruit!"

(Version 2)

▶ "A balanced diet is the key to a strong and healthy body."

(Version 1)

▶ "*sigh* This information is extremely important, we must complete the backup as soon as possible!"

(Version 2)

▶ "*sigh* Cerces above, may this seed endure until the day this world is reborn."

(First interaction)

Demetria: These olives today taste pretty good. You should try some... By the way, Hecate's expedition squad set off on another adventure yesterday.

Cassondra: Yeah, they've been moving around a lot lately... Oh, these olives are really something. I'll have a few more.

Demetria: I heard they're prepping for an in-depth exploration up northeast, but that area's been deserted for ages, right? Wonder if there are any dangers lurking...

Cassondra: There are always dangers, but you know how skilled she is, right? Even if she bumps into some wild Titankins, she can probably finagle her way out unscathed.

Demetria: True, but... didn't one of the expeditions get struck by the black tide and suffer heavy losses last month? Hmm, maybe you could do a little divination for me?

Cassondra: Come on... Fine, I'll cut you a deal this time.

The woman named Cassondra pulls out a small scale from her pocket, placing it on the table. Then, she casually picks up an apple and a pomegranate from the fruit pile, setting them on the opposite scale trays.

The scale teeters for a moment before tipping slightly in favor of the pomegranate.

Cassondra: See? Told you not to worry. Remember what Talanton teaches us, "Though danger may swoop like an eagle, let your vigilance guide you like a clever fox." Stay alert, and you'll be just fine.

Cassondra: Well, I should get going...

Demetria: Hey, hold on a sec!

Cassondra: What's up? It's just an apple and a pomegranate. You're not going to take them back now, are you? Praise the Scale of Justice, this is my fair payment for the service.

Demetria: Ah, got it. In that case, I suppose Talanton wouldn't approve of me slipping you a few extra figs. What a pity. They were picked at the Entry Hourdawn, and they look so fresh...

Cassondra: Oh, wait, wait! I'll never say no to figs! Let me try some for you... Hmm, these do taste great... Oh? Do you have a customer now? I'll leave you to it.

Demetria: Welcome... Hey, you must be the outlander brought back by Lord Phainon, right? You seem like quite the charming one.

Demetria: Welcome to Okhema, young one. How are you finding life here so far?

It's okay.

Cassondra: Aha, it can take some time for everyone to get used to things at first, but once you do, you'll see that Okhema is quite cozy — that goes for the weather, the surroundings, and the lifestyle.

Living here is a real bliss!

Cassondra: Aha! That's great to hear! This holy city, blessed by Kephale, remains unharmed by the black tide. Over time, you'll find that Okhema is quite cozy — that goes for the weather, the surroundings, and the lifestyle.

Some people here seem a bit unfriendly.

Cassondra: I see... It can take some time for everyone to get used to things at first, but once you do, you'll find that the people here are actually pretty friendly.

Cassondra: I hope you and your companions settle in quickly, young one. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask for my help.

(Continue to dialogue options below)

(Subsequent interactions)

Demetria: Here we meet again, young one. Interested in checking the fresh fruits picked today?

I'd like to check out the fresh fruits here.

Demetria: Sure thing. Feel free to sample anything that catches your eye.

(Options disappear after submitting credits)

Apple, please.

(After submitting Credit ×20)

Demetria: Apples are the most common fruit here in Okhema — perhaps in all of Amphoreus. This apple in your hand is from a cultivar that has been genetically improved multiple times, bred to be extra nutritious and stay fresh for longer.

Demetria: Whether it's fresh apples, apple jams, preserves, or dried apples, they're all quite popular as supplies among explorers.

Gazing at the brightly-colored and resplendent apple in your hand, you take a hearty bite...

*crunch* So crisp and juicy! *crunch* So sweet and refreshing!

*crunch* *crunch* You keep taking bites out of the apple, and the fist-sized fruit is consumed almost instantly.

(Trailblazer): ...*burp*

Demetria: Aha, looks like you like it. That'll be 20 Balance Coins. Thank you for your patronage!

(Obtain Memory Crystal Shard ×1)

Pomegranate, please.

(After submitting Credit ×100)

Demetria: Pomegranate... that's the favorite fruit for Kremnoans. Pomegranate juice, with its blood-like color, is seen as a revitalizing elixir for both body and mind in their customs.

Demetria: Speaking of which, Lord Mydeimos among the Chrysos Heirs hails from Castrum Kremnos. He always picks up some pomegranates whenever he swings by. Thanks to him, the sales of pomegranates have been thriving.

You peel back the smooth and tight skin, revealing the ruby-red seeds neatly arranged like an intricate artifact.

You scoop up a handful of those seeds and pop them in your mouth... Really?! Even the cores are edible, boasting a texture akin to the sticky rice balls found in Immortal's Delight.

Demetria: Oh, it looks like you and Lord Mydeimos share a similar taste. That'll be 100 Balance Coins. Thank you for your patronage!

Figs, please.

(After submitting Credit ×500)

Demetria: This is the Mediterrana fig. Legend has it that it was Phagousa's favorite, and the ambrosia made from it could heal both body and soul.

Demetria: This fig had been extinct for years after that city's fall, but three years ago, an expedition braved the ruins of Mediterrana and retrieved withered seeds that hadn't rotted.

Demetria: Later, the Gardeners in the Garden of Wisdom extracted the life essence within, improved and re-cultivated those seeds, and recreated the Mediterrana figs you see today.

Examining the pear-shaped purplish fruit in your hand, you easily peel back the extraordinarily thin skin and expose the vibrant red flesh inside.

A small nip reveals a deep fragrance that envelops your lips and tongue. Another nip leaves a sweet lingering aftertaste. Another nip refreshes your innerds [sic] like a cool spring.

Upon eating the entire fruit, a sense of rejuvenation washes over you, as if all traces of fatigue have disappeared.

Demetria: Pretty incredible, right? Unfortunately, it's a bit pricey due to its limited availability. That'll be 500 Balance Coins. Thanks for your patronage!

I think I'm good for now.

(Also appears if you choose any of the above options but don't submit any credits)

Demetria: Sure! You're always welcome here, young one.

Do you need my help with anything?

Demetria: Haha, thank you, but there's no need to be a stranger, young one. I enjoy spending time with you young folks. Feel free to drop by anytime for a chat, and that would already make me very happy.

Demetria: But then again... I do have a small favor to ask. Half a year ago, my daughter and son-in-law went on an expedition away from the city, and they haven't been heard from since.

Demetria: So... if you ever find yourself leaving the city, could you be on the lookout for any information about them? I'd really appreciate it!

I'm busy, so I'll be heading off.

Demetria: Sure! You're always welcome here, young one.

"Fallen Twilight City" Okhema

Demetria: The sky falls, the earth shakes, the end of days has finally come.

Demetria: There's still lots of data I haven't saved. Young one, if you have time, could you help me?

What are you doing?

Demetria: Just my old job — falling rocks have crushed the garden nursery, disrupting some "seeds" that record life essence data, and I'm trying to restore them.

Demetria: We must deliver the spark of civilization safely to the next world — if the new world doesn't have treats like the "Mediterrana fig," how will I run my produce stand!

Here, allow me.

Demetria: Oh, thank you! We don't see many accommodating young fellows like you nowadays.

Demetria: Many records are scattered on the ground, too many to sort through individually. Please collect what you think is important, and I'll organize them together.

Collect "Imperial Water Lily"...

Demetria: Yes, we can't forget that one. Its roots are strong, and its leaves can even support dromas.

Demetria: They say during the Golden Era, many city-states used them to build bridges across the shallows. We'll definitely need them in the next world.

Collect "Hard-billed Mosquito"...

Demetria: Ugh... these creatures bite painfully and often become pests. Maybe we should just let them perish?

Demetria: Haha, just kidding. All living beings have a reason to exist.

Demetria: I'll move this data to a safe bookshelf. Thank you, you've been a great help.

Do you believe in "Era Nova" yourself?

Demetria: Hmm... I studied at the Grove for many years and spent most of my life doing research. By the wisdom bestowed by Cerces, I see no flaws in Anaxa's reasoning.

Demetria: Even if it's just for a second, I'd love to be able to see my daughter again in the newly created world.

Demetria: Hmm... in the next life, I will never let her join any expedition again...

I have other matters to attend to.

Demetria: That's true, time is running out. Young one, if there's something you want to do or someone you want to see, go now while you still can!

Old Fabio: *sigh*... Hey! Stop laughing and help me figure something out here!

Demetria: It's good for young people to be lively. Look at my Possephone, cooped up in her room doing research all day. I actually wish she'd get out and about more!

Albus: If you ask me, your girls have always been the type who can't sit still. Helkolithism might actually be a pretty good fit for them.

Old Fabio: If only it were that simple! You know those two all too well. With their talent for causing trouble, they got called out plenty of times back at the Grove during their studies...

Old Titus: Haha, I can vouch for that. Old Fabio here was the only parent in that student cohort who met every single teacher.

Old Fabio: Oh, come on — you old geezer, way to bring up exactly what you shouldn't! You...

You guys seem to be having a great time.

Demetria: Huh, what's this... hey everyone, look who's here —

Love it, keep going, tell me more.

Old Fabio: What are you listening t— Oh? Is that you, young one! Long time no see. Came by for a chat?

Albus: Oh hey, perfect timing! I just received a rare Kephale triptych the other day — it's quite a unique piece. You should come check it out when you have the chance.

Old Titus: Tsk... you bought more? Didn't you just get three sets of glazed figurines last week? Lucky for you, your boy Akmonides rakes in the cash, or nobody could afford to keep up with your shopaholic old self.

Albus: I'm spending my own savings here! Besides, I've only borrowed from him a few times, and I've always written an IOU like a good sport! Unlike someone whose son went and bought a retirement home without saying a word.

Old Titus: Oh, come off it! If you managed to sell all that junk of yours, you'd have enough for two houses by now.

Old Fabio: Whoa whoa whoa, I asked for your advice, and you fellows started bickering instead!

Got yourself in trouble?

Old Fabio: It's not really trouble, It's just that my two troublemaker daughters suddenly told me they want to change to the Helkolithist school...

Got more tea to spill? Do tell!

Old Fabio: No tea! Just those trouble-making daughters of mine, suddenly telling me they want to change to the Helkolithist school...

Old Fabio: Not to stereotype, but I heard the folks from that school are all about "physically overpowering their opponents." With those two troublemakers at home, I'm worried they'll end up demolishing the house if they hang around them too long...

Old Titus: Oh come on, that's just a stereotype — they call it "research and practice focused on human physical and psychological phenomena."

Demetria: Alright, alright, you two stop arguing. Let the young ones worry about their own business. As parents, shouldn't we trust our kids?

Demetria: We just got a fresh batch of Mediterrana figs in the shop today. They're super fresh! Here, let me get some for you to try. Hey (Trailblazer), don't run off! I've got some for you too!