Hook's Gift

(Talk to the auction staff)

Auction Staff: Love at first sight, sold at first strike! The Wildfire used item auction is opening soon! If you're interested, head down to the vagrant camp and get involved!

Auction Staff: Outsider! I remember you. Perhaps you're hoping to find some treasures at the auction, too?

What kind of treasures can I find there?

No, not interested...

Auction Staff: Don't just dash off! Let me tell you about it. I'm sure I can stoke your interest...

Auction Staff: We're not sticklers at this auction — you'll find everything from exotic Belobog rarities to tattered roadside socks!

Why is Wildfire hosting an auction?

Auction Staff: Oh after Wildfire got involved in the maintenance of the vagrant camp, they saw there was a big resource distribution problem. People would rather keep a stockpile of useless objects than exchange them for useful resources.

Auction Staff: So we intend to hold a public auction. It will allow folks to make the best use of the stuff they have by exchanging it for stuff they need.

Who's going to the auction?

Auction Staff: It's mostly vagrants from the camp, but Boulder Town residents are welcome to join as well, of course!

Auction Staff: The more attendees we have, the more items there will be for trade, and the better we can meet the auction's goal!

How will the auction be held?

Auction Staff: Buyers and sellers must all register their personal information. To ensure the quality of items, the sellers must also register details for each item.

Auction Staff: Then there's the standard auction procedure. The auctioneer presents the items, and the bidders place their bids on the spot... Pretty straightforward, don't you think?

What kind of treasures can I find at the auction?

Auction Staff: Oh plenty! Gloves used by Chief Oleg, the domestic robot that Miss Fidora built...

Auction Staff: There are lots of prospectors hunting for ancient relics in the vagrant camp, so there should be a lot of unique items at this auction. For example, I heard that one of the goods up for auction is a barely used Geomarrow Probe...

Geomarrow Probe?

Auction Staff: Ah, never heard of a treasure like that before, huh? More excited about the auction now?

Auction Staff: Oh, here — take this pamphlet. It has more information on all the rarities up for auction. Remember to stop by the vagrant camp! Be there or be square!

(Obtain Used Item Auction Pamphlet)

(Trailblazer): I should tell Hook about the Geomarrow Probe... She might want to help Fersman get his treasure back.

(Talk to the auction staff again)

Auction Staff: Take a pamphlet, have a look, and don't lose it! Remember to stop by the vagrant camp for the auction. Be there or be square!

(Talk to Hook)

Hook: Ah, honorary member! I was just about to go see you!

What's up, Pitch-Dark Hook the Great?

Hook: Daddy's already planned his birthday party, but I haven't been able to sell Junjun... or buy a gift for him.

Hook: What should I do? Honorary member — you think of something!

We should go get your dad's probe back.

Hook: Ah! I was just about to ask you about the probe!

I have to tell you something first.

Hook: Huh? What's so urgent? Spit it out!

I know where Fersman's probe is...

Hook: Ah! How did you know what I was thinking? Hook was about to ask you about the probe!

Hook: Honorary member, you found some clues?

(Submit Used Item Auction Pamphlet)

Hook: The auction... So... that's where the probe is!?

Do you know what "auction" means?

Hook: Hmph! Do you think Hook's stupid or something?

Hook: At the auction, I can sell Junjun AND buy a birthday gift for daddy... Yeah!

The bad news is you'll have to compete with other bidders...

Hook: That's nothing — you're here too! I've got the honorary member here to help me with the bidding!

Hook: Junjun is still with the old witch. Let's go get him and then register for the auction!

(Talk to Natasha)

About Junjun...

Hook: Stupid, witchy old... Natasha! Hehe, h—have you finished fixing Junjun?

Natasha: Oh, your teddy bear? Hehe... He's nearly done. Here, take a look at him.

Hook: Wow... He looks brand new! Natasha, you're incredible.

Natasha: Glad to be of service. Now then... did you really bring (Trailblazer) over here with you just to pick up Junjun? Come on now, what are you guys up to this time?

Hook: We're going to the auct...

Hook: Ah... n—no! That's not what we're going to do!

We're going to the auction...

Hook: Hey! You bigmouth!

Natasha: ...The auction, the one at the vagrant camp?

We're going to look for Julian and play hide-and seek-with him.

Hook: Uh... yeah, that's right!

Natasha: The auction... right Hook? The one at the vagrant camp?

We're not up to anything!

Natasha: ...You've been spending too much time with Hook.

Natasha: The auction... right Hook? The one at the vagrant camp?

Natasha: So you made me go through all this effort to repair Junjun just so you could sell him...?

Hook: I... uh... Psst, honorary member! Think of something!

Commencing plan "think of something."

I think we should give up...

Natasha: Hehe, you two make an adorable duo.

Natasha: I was only joking, Hook. Junjun is yours, and it's entirely up to you what you do with him. But you must make one promise to me...

Hook: Wh—What is it?

Natasha: Don't go charging into the Fragmentum again. Mr. Fersman heard about what you did and came to me to find out what happened.

Natasha: Your dad worries about you — stop giving him reasons to.

Hook: Daddy... Aw... Okay, I swear I'll never make Natasha or daddy worry again.

Natasha: (Trailblazer), I'm going to have to trouble you to keep an eye on this kid again. You seem to be doing a good job, so I'll leave it at that.

Natasha: Off you go then, and good luck.

Hook: Thanks, Natasha! Honorary member, let's head to the auction!

(Talk to the auctioneer)

Auctioneer: Welcome! Are you here to take part in the auction?

Hook: Yep! Hook wants to auction this teddy bear!

Auctioneer: Teddy bear? How about I take a look at it first, little missy...

Auctioneer: Hm... With all due respect, I don't think this item will generate much interest at the auction... I don't see any value in it.

Actually, this bear is worth quite a lot of money.

Auctioneer: Hm, let me take another look... The craftsmanship is excellent, and the fabric is soft... but I'm afraid that won't command a high price on its own.

Take a closer look at the eyes...

Call yourself an auctioneer?

Auctioneer: The eyes... wait a minute, that's natural erebus! Haha, what are precious gems doing on such an ugly teddy?

Hook: Hey, who are you calling ugly? Take that back!

Auctioneer: Well, well, well, who'd have thought it... Allow me to make a suggestion — you should only auction off the gems.

Hook: What are you talking about? You can't just take Junjun's eyes off!

Auctioneer: ...Alright, alright, don't get upset, little missy! I'll respect the wish of the owner and keep Junjun here intact.

Auctioneer: Please sign this commodity contract here...

Hook: Let me do it!

Auctioneer: And if you and your friend would like to bid, please fill out this buyer registration form as well.

Hook: Of course we'd like to bid! I'll sign again! (Trailblazer), ask about the probe!

Auctioneer: Probe? Are you talking about the Geomarrow Probe? As far as I know, there are a lot of people interested in acquiring that device. The estimated sale price is no less than 600 shield.

That's a lot of money!

That's chump change!

Hook: Stop bluffing!

Auctioneer: Because it's a rare and useful treasure, the Geomarrow Probe will be up for bidding in the final round of the auction.

Auctioneer: But don't worry, the gems on your teddy bear are also very valuable. You'll have the chance to bid on the probe if someone's willing to pay a high price for him.

I'm great at bidding a price up!

Auctioneer: Oh? Then we'll be counting on you.

He doesn't seem like he'll fetch too high a price.

Auctioneer: Don't be so pessimistic!

Auctioneer: I'll tell you a secret... the more bidders there are, the more you can get for your bear here. This place is teeming with potential buyers. It only takes a gentle nudge to get them to join in.

Hook: Hook doesn't get it. What are we supposed to do?

Persuade them with true love.

Hook: Is "true love" really that useful? Hee-hee!

Deceive them with charismatic rhetoric.

Hook: Hmm, I won't be much help then. Hook never deceives anyone!

Threaten them with hardball tactics.

Hook: Yay! Diggertron's all set and ready to go!

Hook: Let's ask around. Junjun's super cute — I'm sure there'll be loads of people interested in buying him.

(Talk to Weird Man)

Weird Man: Don't try making conversation with me! I don't trust anyone here!

Weird Man: I'm warning you, there's only one winner at an auction — everyone here is one of my competitors!

Did you... hit your head?

Hook: What a weird man...

Weird Man: Hmph, I'll take that as a compliment! You think I can't hear you, you little brat?

Well, at least it's a friendly crowd.

Weird Man: Haha, you think you can fool me? The friendlier they are on the outside, the more devious they are on the inside!

Hook: Seems like this guy's got a real bad temper...

Weird Man: Temper? What temper? I'm perfectly calm, thank you!

Weird Man: You're sellers, right? I just caught sight of a teddy bear on the bid list. Is that yours?

Weird Man: Hmph, you two with your poker faces... You've got a trick up your sleeves with that bear?

Hook: ...This guy thinks that the whole world is against him... What should we do, honorary member?

The bear is garbage. Don't bid on it.

Weird Man: ...Trying to dupe me into not bidding on it, huh? Fine, then I will bid for it! I won't let this opportunity slip!

Just ignore him...

Weird Man: Don't want me to profit from your item, huh? Well in that case, I'm definitely gonna solve the mystery of your teddy bear, haha!

Let him buy Junjun.

Hook: But I don't wanna sell Junjun to such a weirdo...

Weird Man: ...Don't want me to profit from your item, huh? Well in that case, I'll just have to place a bid and solve the mystery of your teddy bear, hahaha!

(Immediately after dialogue ends)

Hook: What a weirdo... Anyway, at least we've tricked him into bidding for it!

(Talk to Gemologist)

Gemologist: Well, look at that. That's no ordinary teddy bear...

You sure about that?

Gemologist: Oh! Uh... sorry, I was in a bit of a trance. I didn't know someone was about to strike up a conversation.

Gemologist: Huh, you don't look like you'll be bidding on much, so I'll tell you... That teddy bear's eyes are genuine erebus!

Because its eyes are erebus?

Gemologist: ...Wait, how did you know that!? Unless you're... a fellow gemologist?

Gemologist: Ahem, yes... I didn't think anyone else had noticed. *sigh* I guess getting my hands on those gems won't be so simple after all...

Gemologist: But it's so absurd... I don't understand why precious gems would be sewn onto a teddy bear. Is this some new kind of scam?

Hook: ...So you don't think Junjun deserves those gems?

Gemologist: Hehe, Junjun? Who's that?

No one! This kid's always spouting nonsense...

Gemologist: It's okay, I didn't take it to heart.

We are, in fact, the bear's sellers.

Gemologist: Oh, haha, wh—why didn't you bring that up earlier? Your item has piqued my curiosity.

Gemologist: In any case, erebus of that purity is hard to come by in the Underworld. I have to get my hands on that bear, even if it means breaking the bank! Ha...

Hook: Hmph, Junjun will break your bank for sure.

(Immediately after dialogue ends)

(Trailblazer): (The gemologist will be bidding too. Hook's teddy bear may be the center of attention.)

(Talk to Reticent Vagrant)

Reticent Vagrant: ...

Are you interested in the teddy bear?

Reticent Vagrant: ...Uh...uh...

He sure is cute and cuddly!

Reticent Vagrant: I...

Hook: His design is super cute and he's really really soft! You can't help but give him a biiiig hug!

Hook: You'll have sweet dreams every night as long as Junjun's by your side! Intrigued...?

(Keep staring at him and wait for him to speak.)

Reticent Vagrant: Hm... I... hm...

Reticent Vagrant: ...

Hook: According to the old witch, some people aren't good at talking in front of other people. Why not ask him to write his thoughts down?

(Give him a pen and paper.)

Reticent Vagrant: Mm? *sigh*

Reticent Vagrant: ...Here.

..."Not interested"?

Reticent Vagrant: Right...

(Ends dialogue)

Apologies. We'll leave now.

(Ends dialogue)

No need, he doesn't look interested.

(Ends dialogue)

Not interested? Sorry for bothering you...

(Ends dialogue)

Not interested? Sorry for bothering you...

(Ends dialogue)

(After talking to the three potential buyers)

(Trailblazer): (We could find the auctioneer now and wait for the bidding to begin...)

(Trailblazer): (...Although there is still some time left. We could also see if we missed any buyers...)

(Talk to the Auctioneer)

Auctioneer: Please wait a moment. The auction will begin shortly.

Let's wait for the auction to begin.

Auctioneer: The next item has been provided by Hook, a gemstone collector from Boulder Town. It's a handmade teddy bear adorned with erebus.

Auctioneer: An innovative design! It combines incredibly valuable erebus gemstones with, uh... a good old-fashioned cuddly teddy bear! The opening bid is 300 shield.

Weird Man: 325!

Auctioneer: Oh, you're adding 25? Isn't that...

Weird Man: What's the problem with 325? That's my offer!

Gemologist: 350!

Hook: Hmm... hope this money is enough to buy the probe...

Don't worry, we have a solid chance.

Hook: ...You're right, let's do this!

Even if it isn't, you can still get another gift.

Hook: That's true, but I want to help daddy get his treasure back...

Auctioneer: The bidding for the Geomarrow Probe has been postponed due to unanticipated complications at the venue. Please be patient and don't leave the auction if you want to bid on it...

Auctioneer: Don't worry, everyone — just a minor technical issue! We'll take a quick break now, and the auction will resume soon.

Hook: ...A break? (Trailblazer), do you think there's something wrong with the Geomarrow Probe?

Let's go ask them.

"Technical glitches" are always excuses...

Hook: Let's go ask that staff member!

(Talk to the auction staff)

Hook: What happened to the Geomarrow Probe? Tell me right now! Straight away! Immediately!

Auction Staff: Uh... There's nothing to worry about — it's just a technical issue.

Hook: ..You don't sound very convincing! *gasp* ...Did someone steal it?

Auction Staff: ...Well, we can't say for sure that it was "stolen..." We've contacted the seller and sent some people in search. We should soon be able to...

This place is full of troublemakers.

Hook: Yeah, why wasn't Wildfire keeping a lookout?

Who would dare steal from Wildfire?

Hook: Yeah, why is Wildfire so incompetent? You should have put The Moles in charge!

Hook: I gotta catch the thief and get the probe back! Any ideas, honorary member?

Let's have a look at the auction registration form.

Auction Staff: Are you suggesting that someone altered the registration form? That's simply not possible! We've been keeping a close eye on everything...

Hook: Fool! What the honorary member means is that the thief only came here to create trouble — they weren't interested in buying or selling! Right, (Trailblazer)?

You're smarter than I thought!

Hook: When the going gets smart, the boss of The Moles gets smarter!

This guy should give us half his salary...

Auction Staff: I don't have a salary to give! I'm a volunteer... *sigh*

Auction Staff: Wait a minute, let me see...

Auction Staff: ...Hmm, aside from you, there was someone else who registered as a buyer but never put in a bid!

Auction Staff: ...And I think there was a miner who registered with him. Come on, let's go and interrogate them.

(Talk to the naive miner)

Auction Staff: Hi, excuse me... may I ask where the miner who registered with you has gone?

Naive Miner: ...Him? I think he went back into town.

Hook: So... he already ran away?

Naive Miner: He came here saying he wanted to buy the Geomarrow Probe, but then he changed his mind for some reason and ran back to Boulder Town alone.

Where can you usually find him?

Naive Miner: I don't know him all that well. Why don't you just head into town and look for him?

Auction Staff: Do you really think he'll turn out to be a thief? I'm not so sure now...

Auction Staff: Ahem, anyway. Outsiders, you should go and look for him in Boulder Town. I need to make sure the other buyers haven't left. If you don't find anything, the thief might still be among us...

(Immediately after dialogue ends)

Hook: Let's head back to Boulder Town and catch the thief!

(Approach the thief)

Hook: Hey, you! Did you take the Geomarrow Probe? Hand it over, right now!

Suspicious Miner: ...Huh — what? Who are you? Where are the people I'm supposed to meet up with?

Hook: Honorary member, we shouldn't waste any time talking to him. Let's just knock him out!

Suspicious Miner: Hahahaha, what could a couple of brats do to me? Do you even know how much the probe is worth?

It's a very important treasure.

Shut it, thief!

Suspicious Miner: You two better think twice. The boss put in a lot of effort to find this item. If you even...

Hook: Enough talk! How about a Diggertron knuckle sandwich!

(Enter battle)

(After the battle)

Suspicious Miner: Okay, enough! I give up, okay!? S—Stay calm! I'll give you the probe, just listen to me...

Suspicious Miner: I overheard the auctioneer say that the Geomarrow Probe would fetch at least 600 shield... 600 shield! Have you ever seen that much money?

I'm one of the ten wealthiest people in Belobog...

Suspicious Miner: Tsk. You? Yeah right. I don't believe you!

Don't try to fool this kid. She's smart.

Suspicious Miner: ...Why would I lie to you at this point?

Suspicious Miner: How about this. The boss, along with a few buddies and I — we put together 600 shield and buy the probe from you, hmm?

Hook: ...No! Hook won't do that!

Suspicious Miner: Come on missy, don't be so stubborn. We can talk it over...

Suspicious Miner: Oh... I see. You just wanna keep the probe to yourselves, right? *sigh* And here I was thinking I'd met some nice people. You're worse than I am...

Hook: ...

This belongs to your dad, Hook.

Hook: ...Maybe it did in the beginning, but things have changed now.

Do you know what to do, Hook?

Hook: ...Yeah, of course I do!

Hook: Let's go, honorary member! Back to the auction.

Suspicious Miner: Wait a minute! You're just gonna give it back? That's 600 shield! 600! At least think about it!

Hook: There's nothing to think about, Mr. Thief! I want this detector, but I don't wanna be a louse like you!

Hook: We're gonna win it at the auction, fair and square! Let's go, (Trailblazer)!

(Obtained Geomarrow Probe)

(Talk to the Auction Staff)

Auction Staff: ...You got the probe back? Amazing! Fantastic!

(Submit Geomarrow Probe)

Auction Staff: The owner asked me to pass on 150 shield as a reward for retrieving it.

Auction Staff: And thanks to you, the auction house has regained its credibility. Please accept an extra 50 shield!

Hook: That's 200 shield! R—Really?

Auction Staff: You've earned it. Besides, if you win the bid for the Geomarrow Probe, you'll have paid back the seller anyway, right?

So this is like a discount from the seller?

Auction Staff: Well, I didn't say that, but you could certainly interpret it that way.

Then we'll happily accept it...

Auction Staff: Haha, you should check your reflections. Your eyes light up whenever money's involved.

Hook: Hook generously accepts the reward! We've got 800 shield for the auction!

Auction Staff: Ahem, ladies and gentlemen, the technical issue has been resolved. The second half of the auction is about to commence — please gather in an orderly manner!

Let's wait for the auction to begin.

Auctioneer: ...The next item up for auction has been provided by a veteran prospector from the vagrant camp. It's an ancient relic — a Geomarrow Probe.

Auctioneer: The item itself was once a key component of another Old World relic, and its one-of-a-kind craftsmanship has long since ceased to exist. This meticulously preserved probe is a rare work of art! The opening bid is 400 shield.

420!

Simple Male Voice: 450!

Sharp Female Voice: 480!

500!

Trembling Old Person Voice: 520!

Simple Male Voice: 550!

Sharp Female Voice: 560!

600!

Hook: Order! Order! You're just throwing bids out at random!

Trembling Old Person Voice: 650!

Simple Male Voice: 700!

Trembling Old Person Voice: 720! *coughing*

Hook: Argh, (Trailblazer)! Everyone's looking at us! What should we do?

Over to you, Hook.

Let's go all in!

Find Hook and get ready for the birthday party

Step Description

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Hook is calling her friends in the Moles. Find her so you can celebrate her birthday with them.
Although people in Boulder Town live in scarcity, they always know how to enjoy life. Hook and her father's birthday party will be another happy moment for them.

Boulder Town

Post-Mission

(Talk to Balaway)

Did you buy the vein detector?

Balaway: Oh-ho? Did a little bird tell you? Alright, I won't pretend otherwise. Yes, old man Fersman sold it to me.

Balaway: Sadly, I wasn't able to get hold of the Geomarrow Probe... *sigh* What good is this detector on its own?

Did you send the thief to steal the detector?

Balaway: Thief? I didn't send a thief.

Balaway: I did arrange for a young apprentice to attend the auction, but he lost out in the bidding.

You didn't attend the auction?

Balaway: I arranged for a young apprentice to attend the auction, but he lost out in the bidding.

Aren't you a scrap collector?

Balaway: Hmph, clearly you don't understand the value of ancient relics.

Balaway: Shame, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find a Geomarrow Probe... The more I think about it, the more I realize that this deal was a big mistake... *sigh*

Why not just sell it to Fersman?

Balaway: Fersman wouldn't want to be the sucker, would he? But maybe I should ask him... It would be great to get rid of it as early as possible...

Fersman has the Geomarrow Probe.

Balaway: ...Really?

Balaway: Hmph, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt... Let me find Fersman and ask if he intends to sell the probe.

Maybe one day you'll find it.

Balaway: Do you think I don't know how rare that probe is? I need to find out who that buyer at the auction was...

(Talk to Gertie)

Did you manage to buy a gift?

Gertie: Oh, you mean at the auction! Yup, I got something. Thanks for remembering.

Gertie: I didn't bid on the big old bear at the time, but thought of something later — Natasha is ingenious, and loves taking care of kids. She'd have a back-up plan for me, I was sure.

Gertie: And sure enough, she did! Natasha sewed up a rabbit doll for me just like that, and it was so cute. I gave it to my niece, and she loved it.

Gertie: Ahhh, Natasha is such a good doctor. We're blessed to have someone like her here in Boulder Town!