Spear and Shield A-Clang

Glykon

Glykon: Why is that, exactly? Could it be... that he’s afraid I’ll steal his spotlight?

Glykon: —Oh, it’s you, my admirer. Sorry, I can’t give you an autograph today.

What are you mumbling about?

Darn it, no autograph this time?

Glykon: I’m really not in the mood to sign autographs today.

Who even wants your autograph?

Glykon: Oh? Completely unfazed by the temptation of a personal autograph from the "Arena Hero"? You’ve got some guts, I’ll give you that.

Glykon: But that being said, I’m really not in the mood to sign autographs today.

Glykon: The black tide is raging, and many people are still trapped in various places, calling my name in distress! As a three-time consecutive "Okeanas Games" throwing champion and a true warrior of competition, how could I stand idly by?

Glykon: But that stubborn old Krateros has ordered the guards not to let anyone go outside, especially me.

Glykon: Haha, but I guess it’s understandable. After all, if I were to die, that would be a loss for all of humanity!

I’ll help you ask about the situation.

Glykon: Awesome! For the next "Okeanas Games," I’ll invite you to sit in the front row of the discus throw event. So you can experience the thrill of a discus flying straight at you up close!

Haha, it’s no trouble at all.

I’d rather not experience that feeling.

(Talk to Krateros)

Krateros

Krateros: You again? Even if you brought (Trailblazer) along this time, I still won't agree.

Krateros: Just holding this place is already a struggle, let alone sending people out for rescue missions. Letting civilians go out alone is no different from sending them to their deaths, this is for your own good too.

Glykon: Civilians? I've already told you, I'm no "civilian."

Glykon: I've told you all about my glorious achievements, shown you my strong, well-built muscles... I even gave you my autograph!

That's quite sincere.

Who even wants that thing?

Krateros: Th—That was that thing you forced on me, wasn't it!?

Krateros: Sorry, Lord Glykon. I acknowledge your achievements in the arena, but competition and real combat are not the same thing. I don't want anyone to throw their life away needlessly.

What if I go with him?

Krateros: If it's you, (Trailblazer), going with him... I naturally trust your strength.

Glykon: Fantastic, (Trailblazer)! In the next "Okeanas Games," I'll make sure to thank you first in my victory speech. Feeling honored?

Make sure to fill an entire page with it!

Give it a rest.

Krateros: The guards have reported that there are refugees calling for help from the temple across the way. Its structure is similar to this place. If we clear out the monsters lurking inside, we might be able to establish a safe shelter there.

Krateros: At least two more waves of the black tide are approaching. Go rescue the refugees and claim the glory you seek, but be extremely careful.

(Go to mission target)

Kelok: Help... I don't think I can make it...

Kilik: Don't say such foolish things, brother! Didn't we promise to reach the pinnacle of the Okhema marketplace together?

Kelok: The savings I've gathered from running my stall all these years... I hid them... I hid them...

Kelok: Ugh... ah...

Kilik: At least finish what you were saying!

Have no fear, for I am here!

Heroes always arrive at the last moment to save the day!

Kilik: Ah, it's you! AquilaSky Titan has opened their eyes — salvation is finally here!

Why is it you two?

Kilik: That's a long story—

Who are you guys again?

Kilik: You really do forget people easily! Back when we were running a stall selling spears and shields, at the Marmoreal Market, we used to see you strolling around the streets all the time.

Kelok: Ugh... ah...

Kilik: Hold on a little longer, hope is right in front of us!

Kelok: I... really have a bit of... a fear of heights... ugh!

Kelok: ...Feeling a bit better now.

Kilik: Uh, this is just the second floor! With you acting like this, how are you ever going to reach the top of the Okhema marketplace?

So it's just a fear of heights?

You sure acted like you were seriously injured.

Glykon: Hehe, you don't have to keep pretending to be strong. The real champion is here. We'll crush the monsters like we're holding a discus, right, (Trailblazer)?

Yes, the battle phase is about to begin. Fortunately, the surrounding companions are all skilled in their own ways, you might want to ask for their help?

Handle it yourself.

That's right, the passionate, intense battles with every punch landing are the true romance of a hero. Your bat is craving for a thrilling, full-on fight.

Ask Kilik.

Kilik: You've come to the right person for this, I don't have much, but I sure have a lot of clever ideas.

Kilik: Now that I'm in a high position, if you can lure the monsters here, I can use the cargo box to knock them out.

Kilik: But this will test your agility. If you're not careful and get caught, it's bound to turn into a tough fight.

My skills are top-notch.

Kilik: You take the lead, and I'll be ready to follow, acting in sync with your moves!

Maybe we should think of a more reliable plan.

Leave it to Glykon.

Glykon: Uh, really, me?

Let's show the monsters the power of humanity!

To defend the honor of the arena hero, after a brief moment of contemplation, Glykon charged out.

"Ugh! Hah—ugh! Take that!" The sounds of a struggle echoed from the distance.

...

The brutal battle, too hard to watch, finally ended, and Glykon hobbled back to your side, limping.

Glykon: Haha, it was a bit tricky, but they were no match for me.

Let me think it over again.

(Defeat the Black Tide Creature)

(The screen goes black)

The monsters in the temple were all wiped out, and Kilik helped Kelok down the stairs.

(Move too close to the Black Tide Creature)

(The screen goes black)

With a momentary lapse, the creatures catch up to you before you reach the corridor. Fortunately, with a quick twist, you dodge their attack!

I need to lure the creatures to the area beneath the second-floor corridor. Let’s try again.

(Successfully attract the Black Tide Creature to the mission location)

(The screen goes black)

Kilik seized the opportunity and dropped the cargo box, crushing the monsters it hit, causing them to collapse. You and Glykon each took down a monster with a punch, clearing out the remaining creatures in the temple.

Kilik helped Kelok down the stairs.

(Talk to Kilik)

Kilik

Kelok: Phew, thanks to both of you. Being back on solid ground feels so much better.

What are you guys doing here?

Kelok: Haha, ever since we stopped the spear-and-shield business, we've been coming up with some new little gadgets.

Kilik: The great idea we've come up with this time is Dawn Device! Let your candles shine with the brilliance of a dawn machine. So, we came to the temple to discuss a partnership.

Kilik: However, before it was our turn to meet with the priest, the disaster struck. Everyone panicked and fled, most of them running into the back hall of the temple, while we made our way to the second floor... I really don’t want to go through that kind of thing again.

Glykon: Are there other refugees in the back hall? There are still at least two waves of the black tide coming. If they break into the back hall, things could get really bad.

We must hold this place.

Kelok: We’ll help too! The world is about to reset, and if we don’t go all out in these final moments, it’d be such a waste. Hey, worst case scenario, we’ll meet again in the next life!

You guys should go take shelter across the way first.

Kelok: Haha, go take shelter first? Fleeing in the face of danger is not our style! Even if we were caught selling counterfeit goods, we'd face it head-on without hesitation.

Kelok: Besides, the world is about to reset. If we don't go all out in these final moments, it'd be such a waste. Hey, worst case scenario, we'll meet again in the next life!

Never mind, we'll meet again after the Era Nova.

Kelok: Hey, anyway, the world is about to reset, and if we don't go all out in these final moments, it'd be such a waste. Hey, worst case scenario, we'll meet again in the next life!

Kilik: And we must avenge ourselves... those stupid monsters ruined our whole plan to make a comeback!

Kelok: I want to get my revenge too... those blasted monsters ruined all the reasonings I had prepared to convince the priest!

Glykon: I want to get my revenge too... those bloody monsters, I still haven't won my fourth individual gold medal in the discus event!

Avengers, assemble!

Do any of you have a brilliant plan?

Glykon: We're short on both manpower and supplies. Even with someone as strong as me in charge, it's going to be tough to hold off the black tide.

Kilik: The counterfeit goods... uh, the merchandise that was confiscated by the Council of Elders before, are nearby. We can go retrieve them.

Kilik: There are some weapons among them that we can use to arm the refugees, and some armor that can be stacked to make barricades...

Kelok: Hehe, that's right, the "strongest shield" made from Georios' nails, capable of withstanding anything—

Kilik: And the "strongest spear," forged from Nikador's pikes, capable of piercing through anything!

I knew it.

Sounds like counterfeit goods to me!

You sure have a lot of stock left.

Kelok: Hey, now's not the time to be picky!

(Talk to Kilik)

Kilik

Kilik: The storage room isn't far. Please hold the line until we get back!

(The screen goes black)

Kelok and Kilik disappeared into the bushes, vanishing from sight. In the distance, a chilling howl echoed, followed by a surge of black turbulence, glowing with an ominous red light, rushing forward.

Another wave of the attack has begun.

Glykon: Hehe, time for a beating! We'll toss these monsters into the ditch like we're throwing a hammer, right, (Trailblazer)?

Yes, it's another battle phase. Fortunately, you have a reliable companion by your side, someone who has surpassed human limits. Perhaps you can ask for their help.

He came here for this exact reason, didn't he?

Handle it yourself.

You suddenly remember that you still need some upgrade materials. You know how it is. There's no such thing as too many upgrade materials.

Ask Kilik.

You could ask Kilik, but Kilik is no longer by your side.

You can't always rely on others for help. Understanding this is already the first step towards growth.

(Return to dialogue options)

Leave it to Glykon.

Glykon: Me!?

Go for it! Charge in with you bodybuilding form!

To defend the honor of the arena hero, after a brief moment of contemplation, Glykon charged out.

(The screen goes black)

"Ugh! Oww — Argh! Not that spot!" The sounds of combat drifted from the distance.

...

The brutal battle, too hard to watch, finally ended, and Glykon hobbled back to your side, limping.

Glykon: Haha, that was a bit tough, but uh... *coughs* they were no match for me.

I must say, I'm truly impressed!

I'd love to get your autograph now, seriously.

Glykon: Got you covered, (bro/miss). All yours.

Glykon: *coughs* I need to... catch my breath for a bit. We can plan our next move afterwards...

Let me think it over again.

If Trailblazer chooses to handle it themselves

Defeat the attacking Black Tide Creatures

Step Description

---

Right after the two merchants left, the raging creatures of the black tide come forth.
Doesn't matter how many Black Tide Creatures come, they're all victims to fall under your bat. You decide to settle matters personally.

"Lightless Chapel" Dawncloud

(Defeat the Black Tide Creature)

(The screen goes black)

You cut through the monsters like slicing through melons and vegetables, effortlessly clearing them out.

Glykon: Impressive moves there! If you ever entered a wrestling competition, I'd have to step out of your way.

Glykon: Why don't you rest for a bit? We can work out our next steps afterward.

(Talk to Glykon)

Glykon

Glykon: We can't just wait around doing nothing while we wait for them to come back.

Let's pray for them...

Glykon: Pushing human limits and upholding human dignity — the Okeanas spirit forbids us from begging the gods for mercy.

Let's pursue and hunt them down!

Glykon: Um... should we really take such an aggressive approach?

Glykon: There are shields stored in the vicinity. Let's use them to construct a basic barricade before those two merchants get back.

(Approaching a pile of shields)

Glykon: I remember there are shields over here, grab them!

Collect shields

(Approaching the next pile of shields)

Glykon: Don't forget this one too.

Collect shields

(Approaching the last pile of shields)

Glykon: There's a shield here too. Stack it up as well.

Collect shields

(After collecting all the shields)

Glykon: Hmm, they seem sturdy enough. Put it by the doorway.

Place Shield

(After placing all three shields)

(The screen goes black)

You and Glykon go set up the shields.

Glykon: Hmm, looks good enough. When they come back with shields and lances we'll be safe from the black tide's intrusion.

Hope they make it back in one piece.

Don't expect too much from their merchandise.

Glykon: I think I heard something. Have they arrived?

(The screen goes black)

You listen carefully, but instead of merchant chatter, you hear shrill, intense cries.

Black turbulence surges violently through the streets. Another attack is upon you.

Black Tide Creature: Dilas!Titan roars

Glykon: Haha, you senseless beasts. If you knew who I am, you'd be running for your lives.

Glykon: We'll crush them all like riding a chariot, right, (Trailblazer)?

Let’s do this, Glykon!

(Begin battle against Tide-Eroded Blade ×2, Black Tide's Corroded Axe ×1)

(Wave 2: Black Tide's Decrepit Bow ×1, Black Tide's Corroded Axe ×2, Black Tide Council ×1)

(After the battle)

Glykon: Huff, huff... These creatures... chasing me like fans desperate for an autograph!

Black Tide Creature: Dilas!Titan roars

Pull yourself together, Glykon!

Glykon: I just... can't go on fighting anymore...

Call out to the guards at the temple across the way.

In the chaos, you see the guards there struggling against the attack as well.

(The screen goes black)

The black tide creatures continue to gather in waves, about to breach the courtyard. Just then, a voice comes from outside—

Voice from Outside: We have arrived!

Kelok: Hehe.

Kelok: When the black tide swallows the tallest mountains and levels the deepest valleys, only one thing can bear our last hope and herald a new era — the Strongest Shield!

Kilik: When the Night overtakes the last Dawn, devouring all brightness, only one thing can banish evil threats and safeguard the whole world — the Strongest Lance!

Kilik: Rest assured, we'll deliver them to you!

Run! Don't do anything stupid!

Are you sure you can do this?

Thank goodness, we’re saved!

Kilik: Hehe...

Kilik: A customer once asked what would happen if the Strongest Lance were to strike the Strongest Shield. We tested it — both items pulverized each other into dust.

Kilik: But lance and shield were never meant to oppose one another. What do you think would happen if they turned together to face a common enemy?

Kelok: Here, watch this!

(The screen goes black)

The two merchants lift their packs, gripping lances in their left hands and shields in their right, charging into the courtyard—

A blade shatters lances, breaks shields, and finally pierces flesh.

Facing blades and arrows, they charge into the courtyard and collapse to the ground.

Kelok: This...

Kilik: ...is the Strongest Lance and Shield.

With their last words, they close their eyes with peaceful smiles.

What on earth are they sacrificing themselves for!?

Do they just want to die so badly?

Era Nova is not meant for recklessness!

Glykon: Ah, oh, mm—

Glykon: Wh—what's with this funny yet sad feeling!?

Glykon: (Trailblazer), no time to grieve for them now. We'll meet them again in the Era Nova. I'll hold them off while you reinforce the barricade with the goods they brought.

(The screen goes black)

Glykon takes up the lance and shield from the merchants' belongings to hold back the Black Tide Creatures. Meanwhile, you rush to enhance the barricade with the remaining items.

The last of the Black Tide Creatures is vanquished just as the barricade is completed.

(Talk to Guard)

Guard

Guard: Ah, it's you. I saw your fight from across the way — that was a close one! We tried to come help, but the black tide had us cornered as well.

Guard: Things are looking up now, thanks to the lance and shield those two heroes delivered. We can now defend the area with a smaller force.

Guard: May they fall into a pleasant slumber.

About the refugees...

Guard: Most of the citizens sheltering in the back hall are safe. Despite our limited supplies, Lord Krateros sent provisions and medications, and we've treated all the wounded.

Guard: Some citizens trapped elsewhere have also come seeking shelter. We'll take good care of them until the new world arrives.

About these lances and shields...

Guard: Uh, honestly, the quality of this batch of arms leaves much to be desired.

Guard: But in these desperate times, we're thankful to have found them at all. They'll last as long as they can.

I have nothing else to ask.

Guard: By the sky father, we'll do our utmost not to let everyone's efforts go to waste.

(Talk to Glykon)

Glykon

Glykon: Ah, it's you, (Trailblazer). Ahem... I'm not... feeling so great...

Relax, you're pretty tough.

Could I get your autograph?

Glykon: Haha... I don't... have much energy left...

Glykon: That old stubborn Krateros, I said we could handle it! Ahem‐

Glykon: That battle was my most impressive showing ever. And we also have those two merchants to thank — without them, the temple would have fallen.

They had such convictions.

Regardless, they were too reckless.

I think they just did it for the thrill...

Glykon: Even if souls really do travel to the world after Era Nova, the fear and pain of death at that moment remain real.

Glykon: Whatever their reasons, whatever their methods... sacrificing one's life to spare others from the torment of death is a noble deed.

Glykon: I hope that after Era Nova, they truly rise to become the finest merchants in Okhema. When that happens, you absolutely must witness the grandeur of the Okeanas Games!

Glykon: The merchants convene, and constantly warring city-states pause their conflicts.

Glykon: Streets and temple columns are adorned with flowers, people speaking different dialects raise tents, praise each other's athletic bodies, and compete for laurel wreaths...

I'll take a front-row seat.

Don't forget to mention me in your speech.

Glykon: Hehe... of course...

(Mission complete)

(Unlock Achievement Biosphere 2)

(Talk to Kelok and Kilik resting on the courtyard benches)

Kilik

Kilik: Ah, if it isn't (Trailblazer)! Are you here to visit us?

Oh, didn't you guys sacrifice yourselves?

The guard said that you've fallen into slumber.

Kelok: Mr. Guard meant to say, "quieten down, everyone, don't wake those two heroes from their sleep."

Kilik: Haha, the atmosphere was so intense back then, it'll be awkward not to say something tragically stirring.

Kelok: After that, Glykon called for a healer, all while in anguish. That made it even harder to say that our injuries weren't severe at all.

I'm glad you guys are okay.

It's better to be more cautious next time.

Comedic relief characters tend to live longer.

Kelok: The healer helped to dress our wounds and instructed us to get plenty of rest. I was cut by a blade twice in the arm, and I really hope that doesn't leave any lasting side effects. I still need to move goods.

Kilik: I took a blade to the knee... Will it affect how quickly I can escape the next time Mr. Guard chases after me for peddling?

Why are you still thinking about selling your goods?

You have to adapt to your role as a hero.

Kelok: Hehe, that's merely a trifle. It won't sway us.

Kilik: After all, we're the men who will stand at the pinnacle of the Okhema marketplace together!

(Subsequent interactions)

Kilik

Kilik: With that, we've made a name for ourselves as the "Strongest Lance" and the "Strongest Shield"! That'll surely boost our sales!

Kelok: You're right!