Stern Veteran

Stern Veteran is an NPC located in (Hollow) Timesworn Hills.

Profile

The Stern Veteran is a soldier from the Defense Force. Helping him throughout his investigation of Timesworn Hills grants the achievement Corruption From Time, and unlocks two Mini Cargo Trucks.

History

When the nameless soldier was younger, their squad was caught in a catastrophe in the Hollow, with him as the only survivor while his comrades were scattered. This later led him to enter Timesworn Hills and investigate rumors about the Miasmic Soldiers that had appeared in the Hollow, going in secret. After being helped by Phaethon to get through the area, he encounters Miasmic Soldiers for the first time, and resolves to investigate further.

Dialogue

(The Stern Veteran first appears on the path leading down from the West Side of Timesworn Hills, looking towards the nearby bridge.)
(Idle): Stern Veteran: Tsk, such a pain.; Stern Veteran: If I were just a few years younger...

(Talk to the Stern Veteran): Stern Veteran: It must be deeper in the Hollow... I can't stay here.; Stern Veteran: There's something sketchy on that bridge ahead. Are they keeping tabs on us? Looks like we won't be crossing until we deal with those guys.; (Let's go deal with those "sketchy things.")

(Two enemies are present on the bridge. The Stern Veteran fights alongside the player when engaging them.)‍^{[verification needed]}
(During combat): Stern Veteran: Those cowardly arrows from the bridge — I'll pay them back double!

(After clearing out the enemies on the bridge, the Stern Veteran appears.)
(Talk to the Stern Veteran): Stern Veteran: So you're the one who cleared out those obstacles across the way? Thanks. That was a huge help.; Stern Veteran: Well then, it's time for me to get going.

(The Stern Veteran next appears after taking the north path from the Cross Roads. This path is otherwise a dead end.)
(Talk to the Stern Veteran): Stern Veteran: The clues should lead right here. Why is there just one locked box?; Stern Veteran: I can't be so out of it that I'd get lost. Hold up, something seems off about this box...; I'm the unboxing expert here. Let me handle this...; Stern Veteran: Crap, triggered a trap! Get ready to fight!

(Several enemies appear. The Stern Veteran fights alongside the player during this time.)
(During combat): Stern Veteran: Watch out! Get behind me!; Stern Veteran: This level's a piece of cake.

(After defeating the enemies): Stern Veteran: Thanks for the help. You saved me a lot of trouble.; Stern Veteran: The target must be deeper inside, no doubt about it. I'm sure I'm getting close to the truth.; What's your goal?; Stern Veteran: I can't reveal too much. This is just a personal mission driven by guilt... and a soldier's duty, nothing more.; Stern Veteran: Sorry, I don't have much to repay you with. Although this box was a trap, there are some supplies inside. If you don't mind, please take them.

(The Stern Veteran next appears after taking the south path from the North Side of Timesworn Hills teleporter. After the Fisher Crab, this path is otherwise a dead end.)
(Idle): Stern Veteran: Well, that was unexpected...; Stern Veteran: Keep it cool. Don't let rage cloud your judgment.

(Talk to the Stern Veteran): Stern Veteran: Soldiers in tattered uniforms... The intel checks out...; Stern Veteran: Will and soul consumed to nothing, just empty human shells — what kind of thing is this?; Miasma Soldier!; Stern Veteran: I really need your help this time. I don't think I can handle this alone.; Stern Veteran: No matter what, we can't let these dangerous things get away from here!

(Several enemies appear. The Stern Veteran fights alongside the player during this time.): Stern Veteran: Desecrating deceased soldiers' honor, huh...; Stern Veteran: I'll destroy you right here!; Stern Veteran: Stay sharp and follow my lead!

(After defeating the enemies): Stern Veteran: Can barely lift my left arm... but at least it's finally over. You saved my life this time — I don't even know how to thank you anymore.; Then tell me your real motive.; Stern Veteran: I understand. I won't keep it hidden anymore. There have been rumors in the military lately about sightings of soldiers in tattered uniforms within the Hollow. So I left the army without permission and followed the trail here alone.; Taking such a risk just for a rumor?; Stern Veteran: When I was young, my squad encountered a catastrophe in the Hollow. My comrades were scattered throughout the Hollow, and in the end, I was the only one who made it back to the camp. This is a wound etched into this old soldier's being. This is my deepest regret.; Stern Veteran: I can't get over this. I can't bear to see soldiers who fought to protect the city lose themselves in the Hollow, with no place to call home.; I see.; Stern Veteran: The monsters we just fought were less like "Soldiers contaminated by Miasma" but more like "Miasma in the shape of Soldiers"... As far as I know, Miasma doesn't undergo such changes on its own — something's definitely fishy here. Looks like I need to dig deeper.; Stern Veteran: I've picked up a bunch of supplies along the way and hit my weight limit, so I sorted out some stuff I won't be needing.; Stern Veteran: These supplies are in your hands now. Until we meet again.; Corruption From Time Achievement Complete
(The Stern Veteran despawns after this)

Other Languages

Language	Official Name
English	Stern Veteran
Chinese (Simplified)	严肃的老兵 Yánsù de Lǎobīng
Chinese (Traditional)	嚴肅的老兵 Yánsù de Lǎobīng
Japanese	厳めしい古参兵 Ikameshī Kosanhei
Korean	엄격한 노병 Eomgyeokhan Nobyeong
Spanish	Veterano serio
French	Vétéran sévère
Russian	Серьёзный ветеран Ser'yoznyy veteran
Thai	ทหารผ่านศึกที่เคร่งขรึม
Vietnamese	Lão Binh Nghiêm Túc
German	Ernster Veteran
Indonesian	Veteran yang Serius
Portuguese	Veterano Sério

Change History

Released in Version 2.3 - Memories of Dreams Bygone

[Create New History]