Event Quest:Desert Journey:VN:7-1

[Translated by Kukuru]

Chapter 6: Xuanzang Sanzang Saves Seth and Expels the Darkness

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Flaming Mountains is closed off from the outside world due to the sandstorm. Sitting on the throne on the summit -

An ominous being that has the same face as Seth appeared.

He looks nearly identical to Seth, but there was dark hatred glowing in his eyes.

......What's the matter? You look very surprised. This isn't your first time seeing my face, is it?

This...... This can't be real...... You're a dream of me, you're supposed to be a dream of me......

That's correct, "Seth." I was supposed to be your dream.

However...... That was only for when you are not breaking the promise you imposed on yourself.

You've changed this journey. You wanted to change yourself.

So the reason for that is...... awakening back my memories......

...... (Inaudible).....! .......!!

Waah...... UWAAAAAaaaaah!!

You sealed away your memories along with your own heart, you varnished yourself with lies - I'm sure you've been able to live your life in peace, "Seth" ......!!

3 options (Same Response)
What is your intention!?	Why is a "Shadow" like yourself here......?!	Are you the cause of the sandstorm outside?

Hmph. What do you care, "patchwork one."

He was watching you and that guy near the waterside......

The person that became a fool themselves - He discovered that wreckage within yourself!

Because of that, by taking advantage of his fears and regets...... I was able surface in this world.

I should feel grateful...... Thanks to you, I can finally carry out my greatest desire!

3 options (Same Response)
You're not getting away with this!	"Fear," "Regrets"......?	Don't you dare lay a hand on Seth!

Kahaha! Don't be ridiculous! You should know that you can't possibly stop me!

Hey...... [Player]. Do you know anything about it?

Beings like myself - Beings that are born as "Shadows."

I do what I believe in accordance to that fate - That is to be the embodiment of hatred that I so desire!

He then quietly approached the boy that has the same appearance as Shadow Seth.

Gazing at the Shadow, Seth does not move an inch.

2 options (Same Response)
Seth, run!	He's going to kill Seth!

I can't...... I can't do it. Even I can't run away from him......

That's because he is...... the "real me" ......

Hmph. You finally gave in. You really are a pathetic blockhead.

Don't fret...... I'll quickly put you out of your misery. Now, it is time for you to be rid from this world!

...... (Gasp)!!

Ultimate move, super-disrupting-water-shot!!

Gwaaaah!! You...... You're getting in the way!!

Although I don't have the slightest idea of what's going on, I can't let you do that!

Big Brother Seth is a very important friend to me! I won't let you get away with tormenting him!

......! Hanuman, no, don't!!

"Friend"! I see, so he's your "friend"! Kahaha! That is so dumb of you to stand up for him!

Very well...... If you are going to protect him, then I suppose I should get some assistance.

With one arm swing from Shadow Seth, a sandstorm brews inside the room.

Countless Shadow Seths then stepped out from inside the sandstorm.

The masses like yourself are nothing but insects to my countless copies!

Waaaaaaah!? It's like a horde of zombies!!

No big deal! I am the best when it comes to shooting! I'm going all-out with these bad boooooys!!

Hanuman's fierce and perfectly accurate rapid shooting shoots down the Sand Shadows in succession.

Nice! I did it!!

Hanuman raised his voice to a certain effect. However -

The sand absorbed the water and crumbled to the ground, but new figures of Seth arose again.

Whaaa......!?

Futile, absolutely futile!! Inexhaustible gravel won't feel pain from such morning dew!!

N-No fair! That is so unfair! You should've been destroyed after getting shot at!

...... Oh, what am I saying right now!! We can't save Big Brother Seth if we just sit here!

2 options
Wait, we're helping too!	Ganglie, please!
Fine. Stay back, "Teacher-san"! Things are gonna get a bit rough!	Sure thing. I was gonna do it on this guy anyways even if you didn't tell me from the start!

Ganglie brandishes his hoe and breaks the nozzles of the water fountain set up on both sides of the throne.

Get swept away in the waves! Outlook Admiral!!

A huge wave surged and destroyed the enemy that just came back to life.

Now, [Player]! I bought you some time, now go save Seth!

2 options (Same Response)
Got it!	I'll save him right away!

[Player] rushed over to Seth who's fallen over, lifting him in their arms.

[Player]......! You......!

Graaaah......! You damn low-life of a pig!!

Nice work, [Player], you rescued Seth! Hey, young lady owner, which way is the exit!?

G-Goodness me......! Being called a "young lady" is...... Oh my!

E-Excuse me, Hakumen-sama? I think you shouldn't be getting embarrassed by the current situation......

Oh, keep your mouth shut!! You don't need to tell me cause I'm already aware of it!!

The emergency exit is behind the throne! It connects to the passage leading a shelter in case of an emergency!

Right! Everyone, follow the evacuator's instructions and evacuate through the emergency exit!

Xolotl! Do you understand what to do? Evacuate and guide them to the designated place!

I understand! Everyone, please hang onto this vine!

I feel I'm becoming an adult......! Please, do not let go of it at any cost!!

You're not getting away......! I will send you all to the depths of hell!!

Shadow Seth chases after the group heading to the exit. He immediately barricades the path behind the throne.

He runs after them faster than expected, however -

GRAAAAAaaaaa!!

...... !!

I will act as an after-care! Everyone, you must escape in the meantime!

All of my guests, all of my staff, you all are assets to me! A sand monster such as him won't lay a finger on you!

3 options (Same Response)
Gyumao-san......!	I'll back you up!	You can't handle him by yourself!

You want to form an alliance with me, is that what you're telling me?

...... Heh. The one who took on the name, "Xuanzang Sanzang," the day where we fight alongside each other has come, it seems.

I truly appreciate it, "Xuanzang-dono." We shall conclude our partnership!

Seth:( face) Uu...... Uuunnn......

2 options (Same Response)
...... Hanuman.	I'll leave Seth in your care.

Hey, wait a minute, [Player]-dono! I want to help him together with you -

Hold it. [Player] entrusted a weak and exhausted Seth in your care, did they not?

Believe in them. It's our job to stay out of it too.

Let's go!! Ehcatl Mayahuel!!

......! [Player]-donooo! You better come back alive! You have to!!

Huge bundles of vines grew with intense momentum - They then penetrated through the sand monsters in succession while also carrying everyone to the evacuation door.

Now, all that's left behind is Other Seth, Gyumao and [Player].

...... I had a thought. After the battle is over, why not come visit my company?

Bonus in salary, retirement plans with employee benefits, I'll even consider 2 leaves per month as well!

All the employees are free every Friday. You can join the banquets too if you like! Wahahaha!

2 options (Same Response)
Sure, I'll do it!	I'll think about it......

Bah! You really don't have a care in the world, talking on about your business when your life is clearly in danger!

Don't worry. I'll relieve you two from this cruel, sad world with my own 2 hands.

Rest a peaceful slumber in hell, then there won't be anything for you to be concerned about!

I'm terribly sorry, but Gyumao loathes opportunity losses more than anything in this world!

I am not interested in a world lacking economic activities and such! I will take you down and take in this youngster to my company!

[Player], we shall fight him! Crush the bottleneck, then escape!

[Battle]

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NUUOOOOOOOOH! DOOOORYAAAAAAAAAH!!

Gyumao's gigantic, swelled up body blows away the Sand Seths.

In the course of events, the leader of the clones taking commands trembled.

Dammit, this can't be happening......! The sand can't hold its shape!

Now, partner! We shall proceed with a strategic retreat!

2 options
I agree, President!	Can we really run away......!?
Bwahaha! Unnecessarily throwing out business terms is nonsensical, no? It's all in coordination to the TPO, do you understand now?* (TPO = Time, Place, Occasion)	A top businessperson never misses a chance and thoroughly gets into things! A swift retreat under these dire circumstances, then we'll work around a new strategy. Please keep that to your knowledge!

Anyway, I will lead the breakthrough! Stay close behind me!!

There is no escape! Especially you, [Player], you're not going anywhere!!

3 options (Same Response)
How persistent!	Why are you going after me?!	You're not targeting Seth?!

It's obvious. You hold power that can even interfere with fate itself.

With that, it is the only potential option that can revive him, to revive Seth in the place where he is entombed!

How else would I carry out my goal without eliminating you!!

The threatening Shadow catches up to them, grasping them, ready to take their life.

3 options (Same Response)
Too fast......!	I can't break free!	Help, somebody! !

It's useless! That strong barbarian has already left. Now, you're all alone with me here -

No one will come and save you! Perish, and fall into a peaceful slumber!!

That moment, when he attempted to do something gruesome with that sandy hand -

Guaaah!! Who's there!?

I arrived just on time! Leave matters to me, Baby!

Thunderbird, with one sharp feather in hand, makes a gesture before throwing it at the enemy.

Shadow of the heart that has taken shape! "Dream Crosser," return to the depths of where you're born!

Dammit, you again.....! The affectionate, dandy hero!

I know more than anyone else about how an unfortunate demise for a hero goes!

Everything is at my mercy! Kahahahaha!!

His presence fades away with his voice. And then, the Avian Gentlemen suddenly shrugged his shoulders.

I'm sure I know as much as you do when it comes to a hero's end.

Hey, Baby. Can you stand? You're not hurt, are you?

3 options
Why are you here......?	Why are you in the real world?	I can't get up, please help me!
I'll provide an answer to that question later. For now, let's take you to the location where everyone is waiting in. The current situation is far more urgent than I anticipated. An exchange of information will be necessary.		Hey now, you don't seem to be hurt just by looking at you - I suppose you must've been terrified then, Baby. Good, now get on my back. I shall deliver you to the place where everyone is with my wings of pride!

[Transitioning...]

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...... This is all I have to report. Multiple sand-like monsters have appeared in the "Kochuuten" area.

All the customers have been evacuated inside the buildings, the pool has been filled with sand, and the place has been isolated from the other areas.

Rescue from the outside world...... I'm 100% sure we can't expect any to come.

(Sigh), this is a major concern. I appreciate the report.

On the other hand, what do you mean by "no chance of rescue"? If there is an outbreak of issues within the facility......

"Evacuate the customers as soon as possible and wait for rescue from outside." I want to say something, but I figured it's pointless.

A moment ago, a clerk working at the Endless Scream informed me that contact got engulfed in sand, one after the another.

And, it's strange but the door leading outside disappeared without a trace.

How...... How can that be!? It shouldn't have been possible for the exit to disappear like that!

...... Nah, it's possible. Hey, [Player].

It's the same as him - It's just like the "sea with no way out," remember?

2 options (Same Response)
...... You're right!	We're in an "overworld shift"!

What's this!? [Player], you have an idea of what this incident is?

Milord...... We truly can't escape from this ordeal?

Well, even we are not familiar with it. To sum it up, it goes like this -

"Overworld shifts." That is, it's another world that erodes onto Tokyo.

There are 2 conditions for it to occur. One, a "Closed Area" must be there on that occasion, and the other is the "Transient" who is the "Key" to be there as well -

The mind of the "Transient" that is the "Key" connects together the parallel world and the "Closed Area," causing time and space to warp.

And, the "Key" who can solve it also, is the true self that created the world.

...... I see. The TSL, which is surely a weather-proof resort, can become a "Closed Area" if you change the viewpoints.

And the artifical desert built inside here is connected to the real desert world...... Is that correct?

Well, that's pretty much the gist of it. This is my 2nd time while [Player] seems to have been involved in it a bunch of times.

But...... But how did time pass on differently for [Player] and their friends and us?

We were on Flaming Mountains and [Player] and their friends traveled in the desert. We should have been all on the same floor......

...... I assume the "overworld shifts" originally occured in the more populated desert areas on this floor.

Flaming Mountains is a solid wall and door, isolated from the desert area. That is the reason why it wasn't involved in an "overworld shift."

And now, the door to Flaming Mountains has been opened. Flaming Mountains and the exit of the attraction has been swallowed up by the "overworld shift" as well......

It's not only this floor, but the "overworld shift" is now spreading across the TSL. It's all coming together now.

In regards to the "Closed Area," if you be so kind to explain - who in earth is the "Key" to it?

Unless that person does something to undo the "overworld shift," there's no way out of here, correct?

............................

2 options (Same Response)
That's -	It's surely......

[Player] and the others looked over and concentrated on Seth, who was resting in a corner of the room.

Seth, who was laying on his back towards this direction, felt their gazes and slowly got up with a murky look on his face.

...... This is all my fault. Is that what you want to say to me......?

I already know. This strange world is undoubtedly connected to me.

It's because of him - He shouldn't have shown his face here!

...... I knew. But, I don't know what I should do......

3 options (Same Response)
We're not accusing you of anything.	We want to know what's going on.	Any kind of hint will help.

[Player]...... You......

It's surely something that was created by you. A bitter crystallization of past memories that wants to be forgotten.

What was sealed away in the inner heart, and what's saddled with the past has overflown.

But, that is something that anyone can do. We cannot move on by carrying our agony and suffering.

...... Could you tell us? What are you holding, and what do you have sealed away?

...................

...................

I-I...... I want to hear from you too! Please, tell us everything that's bothering you!

Hah...... Hanuman......

That's because you're a brother to me, Seth - My Big Brother Seth!

...... You still call someone like myself your "Big Brother." You're such a nice guy.

....... But, I doubt it's okay. You shouldn't be calling me your "Big Brother" anymore.

Wha...... What are you saying!? Big Brother Seth -

You see, I...... I'm not actually "Seth."

2 options (Same Response)
What......?	What do you mean?

Seth, raised his head, determined about his feelings, went on to tell them his true name.

I'm...... No, my real name is...... Ash.

"Seth," the ruler of tempests and the sands - I'm nothing but a pathetic brother-in-law to him.