Character Quest:Andvari:VN:1

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Ikebukuro Guild Hall

One day, at the underground battle arena of the Ikebukuro Berserkers.

Andvari expression cheerful.png

Oh, hey, Player's here! Alright, Now I've got all the personnel I needed!

Andvari boisterously greeted the new arrival the moment they stepped in, arms spread wide in a welcoming gesture.

Behind him were an assortment of his fellow Berserkers: Bathym, Pollux and Nomad.


3 options
Huh....? What's all this about? It's the half-naked party...!
Bathym expression cheerful.png

Player-chan came after all! I've been looking forward to this! And, my condolences!

Nomad expression neutral.png

Either say welcome or express your pity, stick to one...!

Nomad expression neutral.png

I'm fully clothed damnit! What the hell kind of name is Half Naked Party?!

Bathym expression cheerful.png

What if we called ourselves the Nearly Nothing Team instead, Nomad-chan?

Nomad expression anger.png

Don't lump me in with the likes of you!!

Pollux expression blush.png

Hey, look what the dog dragged in. Andvari roped you into this too huh?

Andvari expression anger.png

Dog? Do I look like Garmr to you?!


Andvari expression neutral.png

Anyway! Don't listen to them and just rely on me, Player!


3 options
Leave it to me! You still haven't told me what you called me out here for. Of course, there's the matter of my compensation fee...
Andvari expression cheerful.png

Oho, now there's a good response... I respect that kind of business acumen, for real!


Bathym expression neutral.png

Well, that's Andvari for you. Anyway, don't you think you owe them a proper explanation now?

Bathym expression neutral.png

Are we going someplace dangerous? You're leading this expedition, so you don't want there to be any misunderstandings, right?

Andvari expression embarrassed.png

Ah, certainly. See, recently the guild's medical costs have been rising.

Andvari expression smarm-whatever.png

Well, to cut a long story short, we're dealing with an overworld shift.

Andvari expression neutral.png

dunno if you heard about the incident a few days ago, when the underground passages beneath the guild our boss Claude built--

Andvari expression smarm-whatever.png

...overlapped with dungeons from some other world.

  • reference to Nomad's character quest
Andvari expression smarm-whatever.png

Well, stuff like that ain't uncommon here in Tokyo. Something similar happened before in the underground shopping area in Shinjuku, and in this case--

Andvari expression neutral.png

-strange, snowy mountains have appeared in Minato-ku.

Andvari expression smarm-whatever.png

Well, skipping to the relevant part, those mountains contain dungeons that are supposed to be loaded with treasure!

Andvari expression anger.png

It's a real gold rush situation! The longer we dawdle around the more booty other people are gonna find and depreciate the market value!

Andvari expression cheerful.png

That's why I had to put this party together on such short notice! The early bird's gettin' this worm!

Pollux expression neutral.png

So the short version is, you need us to escort you? No sweat.

Andvari expression neutral.png

Worth noting, our destination is an unexplored dungeon. There's no telling what we might end up having to face!

Pollux expression blush.png

I still have to find my brother. Who knows, maybe he was summoned along with this place.

Pollux expression excited.png

Even if he's not though, maybe we'll run into a formidable new opponent! I'm getting hyped up already!

Pollux expression surprised.png

Oops, my bad, boss. What's with that face?

Andvari expression smarm-whatever.png

.....If we add more members to the expedition that means we have to split the payload even more, but then again maybe that means the curse will split targets evenly too... *mutter mutter*

Pollux expression blush.png

You say something, Boss Andvari?

Andvari expression neutral.png

Eh? Wha? Wasn't listening. Did you say somethin'?

Bathym expression tasty.png

(I don't think they realize they're not on the same page here. But it's funny, so I'm not gonna say a word!)

Andvari expression neutral.png

Anyway, with your support, I have high hopes for this little endeavor!

Andvari expression cheerful.png

Ah, this here's the contract. Just sign here on the dotted line, yes yes, you'll have to cover your own transportation costs out of pocket, but that's trivial compared to the bonus we'll make, for real!


2 options
I'll do my best! I have a bad feeling about this.
Andvari expression neutral.png

You've got nothing to worry about Player, seriously! With this crew the expedition will be a snap! Would I lie to you?


1 option
Is anyone else coming along?

Andvari expression neutral.png

Ah, I did put some feelers out, but, I hit a few snags...

Andvari expression neutral.png

Macan has no interest in money, Garmr, Kengo and Taurus were busy with schoolwork...

Andvari expression neutral.png

Snow and Claude would be more trouble than they're worth, Moritaka absolutely refused to ever work with me and Horkeu Kamui is off in the mountains or something...

Andvari expression cheerful.png

But hey, that's their loss! The rising stars of the Berserkers are all we need! Now let's make a huge profit!

Background: 暗転

Music:

Background: 池袋地下通路

Pollux:(cheerful face)
Man, is this really Ikebukuro Station Underground? It's like a cave.

Nomad expression neutral.png

サンシャインに繋がる地下通路から、 枝分かれするように洞くつが伸びてやがんな。

Bathym expression neutral.png

あっちの方、清掃工場とかなんかだっけ? うっひぃ~、ゴミだらけは勘弁ちゃんよ。

Before the cave entrance, as the group chattered among themselves--

Andvari whispered something to the ring gleaming brilliantly on his left ring finger.

Andvari expression neutral.png

役割ロールは――。 権能ルールは――。

At his words, golden light began to spin around the ring.

You're using your sacred artifact……?


アンタ神器持ってたの?!


Andvari expression neutral.png

シーーーーーーーーッ……! 見てたのかよおいっ、目ざといヤツだな……。

Andvari expression neutral.png

ん。

As he said so, Andvari furiously thrust his hand at Player.

Andvari expression anger.png

I'm charging an admission fee. Peeking like that is an infringement of my publicity rights! Now, pay up! For real!

Background: 暗転

Music:

Background: 池袋地下通路行き止まり

Gradually, the party made their way into the dungeon. The trip proceeded smoothly and peacefully, with no notable dangers.

This was thanks to Pollux, and his sacred artifact

Pollux expression neutral.png

Wherever this light shines, disaster and misfortune will be warded away. ......Pretty handy, right Player?


2 options
Thanks a bunch, Pollux! It's a tight squeeze, fitting everyone in here...
Pollux expression blush.png

Haha, I'm glad you praised me! Originally this was a "sacred artifact" my brother and I shared.


Guided by Pollux's light, the exploration party searched the dungeon relatively uneventfully, occasionally finding interesting objects to submit for Andvari's appraisal.

But eventually, the group hit a dead end.

At the end of the hallway, a lone chest was tantalizingly placed.

Andvari expression neutral.png

There! This one! This one's gonna be a big score, I can feel it!

Bathym expression pout.png

We haven't found any magic items that suit me this entire time. Hnn, maybe this will be my lucky break?

Nomad expression neutral.png

All I care about is coins. The office is long overdue for renovations.

Pollux expression neutral.png

This is the last spot left to check, right? So no need to keep this ward up.

Andvari expression anger.png

You idiot! It's too early for that! Wait til we're clear of the--

Pollux expression neutral.png

Good job, artifact. Aaaand, off you go!

SFX:

Ignoring Andvari's warning, Pollux unexpectedly dropped the ward of his sacred artifact.

Music:

SFX:

Slime: Bloopbloop!

With the protection of Pollux's sacred treasure gone, several slimes began to appear from the inky darkness of the dungeon.

--in the path of the only exit.

Andvari expression anger.png

Aaaaah,damnit!What did I tell you, dumbass! Now our escape route is blocked!

Pollux expression excited.png

Agghh, finally. I've been itching for a fight, my body's been screaming for some action since we started!

Pollux expression angry.png

It's fine, Boss Andvari. I can take a bunch of small fry like this all by myself!

Pollux expression angry.png

Eat thiiis!

SFX:


Pollux intercepted the approaching slime, ready to blindside it with a punch.

Or, so it seemed.

Pollux expression angry.png

Huh...?!

Pollux's fist made a squelching sound as it impacted, burying his arm in the slime's gooey body.

Pollux expression angry.png

Whaaaaaa--!!

Bloop.

Pollux was sucked in by his arm, swallowed completely by the slime.

……………。
Andvari expression shocked.png

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

Bathym expression shock.png

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

Nomad expression neutral.png

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

Andvari expression anger.png

You meathead! You think you can just punch slime?!

Bathym expression surprised.png

My my, that's no good...! What should we do now?

Nomad expression neutral.png

--I'll burn them to cinders.

Andvari expression anger.png

And destroy the treasure too? Don't be so hasty!

Bathym expression pout.png

We have to deal with them carefully too, huh. Well, good luck with that, Andvari!

Andvari expression smarm-whatever.png

Sheesh... I'm not like you battle junkies, I'm just a regular old dwarf. For real.

Nomad expression neutral.png

They're coming this way!

Green Slime: Bloop bloop----!!

[BATTLE]

Background: 暗転

Music:

Background: 池袋地下通路行き止まり

Slime: Gloooooop!

Andvari expression anger.png

Haaaaaa!!

SFX:

Swinging a massive battleaxe nearly the size of his own body, Andvari cleaves his way through several slimes at once.

However, it is clear the blade has little effect on their amorphous, gooey bodies other than temporarily stalling their movement.

Nonetheless, you all have little choice but to stay on the offensive, or be overwhelmed by the slimes.

There seemed to be no end to the horde, and no escape in sight as more and more poured in.

At best, suffocation inside the slimes, or in the worst case, dissolving within the monsters.

Andvari expression anger.png

Damnit! Nothing is working! Damn that idiot...!

Bathym expression upset.png

You can be mad later, Andvari! This situation's getting worse and worse!

Nomad expression neutral.png

......This is getting out of hand. The situation won't turn around at this rate, so just let me burn them already.

Andvari expression anger.png

No! We still haven't secured the treasure!

As he spoke, Andvari hurried back to the treasure chest at the hallway's end.

Hastily, he threw open the lid and looked inside, and--

--the earth shook beneath everyone's feet.

Andvari expression shocked.png

Ah, this treasure, this could be worth...!

Andvari's face suddenly turned pale as, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a familiar golden gleam. His sacred artifact twinkled brilliantly on his finger.

Andvari expression anger.png

Run for it! Something's wrong, for real!!

Bathym expression surprised.png

What's going on?! Andvari, what on earth...!

Nomad expression neutral.png

An earthquake?! Now of all times?!

SFX:

The dungeon is... collapsing?!
Andvari expression shocked.png

Ah.

In the chaose of the quake, a huge brick was becoming dislodged above Andvari's head.

Even someone as sturdy as the dwarf would surely die if it fell on him.


SFX:


The moment the realization hit, Player's feet were moving on their own--

Andvari:( face)
--Player?! You--

Background: 暗転

--running desperately on the unstable ground, and--

SFX:

--their sword began to glow.

SFX:

.....

..........

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

How much time has passed?

As Player gradually returned to consciousness, they could hear someone talking to themselves through the heavy fog clouding their mind.

Music:

Background: 池袋地下通路崩壊

Andvari expression neutral.png

あーっ、たくっ……。 まさか最後であんなお宝に出会うなんてな……。

Andvari expression neutral.png

予想外の出費はかさんじまったが、 ま、コイツを売り払えば……ヘヘヘッ!

Treasure?
Andvari expression shocked.png

GYAAH! Jeez, don't startle me like that! If you're awake then say so!

Andvari expression sad.png

The rest of the guys are safe. We managed to avoid being buried alive, but the entrance collapsed. Tryin' that way out's no good.

Andvari expression neutral.png

Those three went lookin' for another way out. I had to stay behind and watch you.

Andvari expression embarrassed.png

Ah, don't get up. I was specifically told not to let you move in your condition. I'll catch hell.

Andvari expression neutral.png

Here, Bathym gave me some medicinal herb crap for ya. He knows his stuff, you should be good as new soon.

So everybody is safe? Are the slimes gone?


Are you gonna charge me a treatment fee?


So, it's just the two of us. Alone. In the dark.


Andvari expression sad.png

Nn... yeah, everything should be fine now.

Andvari shook his head, a grim expression on his face.

Andvari expression neutral.png

We managed to get the "reward" and avoid the "retribution" this time, so the danger should have passed. Ah... it's all that dumbass Pollux's fault...

You're the only one to blame!


IT'S. YOUR. FAULT!


Andvari expression sad.png

……………。

Andvari expression anger.png

Aaah fine! It's because of my sacred artifact! Happy?!

Andvari lifted his hand to show the artifact on his left ring finger, glistening even in the dim light of the dungeon.

Andvari expression sad.png

It's a secret, so don't go spreading this around, okay?

Andvari expression neutral.png

This little gold ring is my sacred artifact.

Andvari expression sad.png

It's a special little thing. See, the ring itself doesn't have any kind of offensive power.

Andvari expression neutral.png

Its effect is very simple. It attracts wealth to its owner.

Andvari expression neutral.png

In exchange, the ring curses its owner, and surrounding parties, with misfortune equivalent to the riches gained.

It curses you?


Andvari expression sad.png

I called it "Retribution" earlier for a reason. The curse is more dangerous proportionally to the loot it "Rewards."

Andvari expression neutral.png

That's why I needed to bring Pollux and his sacred artifact along.

Andvari expression neutral.png

St. Elmo's Fire. A light that wards away evil and misfortune.

Andvari expression neutral.png

Of course, avoiding the retribution part doesn't mean it goes away

Andvari expression neutral.png

The "retribution" only counts when it's received properly. In other words, you have to pay your dues one way or another even if you delay it.

Andvari expression neutral.png

That said, the power of the "retribution" also spreads evenly among the number of people around. I invited Bathym and Nomad to dilute the effects, but nobody else wanted to come along...

Andvari expression anger.png

And thanks to that musclebrained idiot deactivating his sacred artifact too early, we got attacked by slimes!

Andvari expression neutral.png

But the cause of that rock that almost crushed me... was this.

Andvari reached to the bag of spoils the group had collected and produced a small, glittering trinket.

Andvari expression neutral.png

It came from that last treasure chest. It may look like nothing more than a pretty bauble to an untrained eye, but this is worth a LOT of money.

Andvari expression neutral.png

I'm absolutely certain my sacred artifact called this to me. The moment I got it, a compensating "retribution" happened.

Andvari expression neutral.png

We must have too separated for the curse to spread evenly, so only I was targeted.

Andvari expression neutral.png

According to the ring's judgement, this little beauty is worth more than my life.

Andvari expression cheerful.png

Well, on the bright side, you can sell this for a ton of money, Player! Hell, I'll wear it for you if you want!

Is money all you care about?


You nearly got all of us killed for this?!
Andvari expression neutral.png

C'mon, everything turned out alright didn't it?


Dwarves are so greedy...
Andvari expression embarrassed.png

No, dwarves are insatiable.

Andvari expression neutral.png

It's so funny, for real. Is truth that much stranger than fiction?

Andvari expression neutral.png

I've heard they were considered nothing but fantasy for a long time in this world, but where I come from the Dwarf Tribe is commonplace.

Andvari expression neutral.png

It was a real surprise how accurate the stories were though. Besides being greedy, human stories also got details like the Dwarves' top notch smithing, magic not being our forte, they even nailed the appearance!

Andvari expression neutral.png

Elves, dragons, orcs, ogres... they were also common where I come from.

Andvari expression neutral.png

エルフどもは、池袋ここいらじゃあんまみねえけどよ。 暴力沙汰が嫌いな奴らだし、東や南の方にはいるのかもな。


Andvari expression neutral.png

What did you expect? It seems obvious to me.

Andvari expression embarrassed.png

Why are coins so important?

Andvari expression neutral.png

Well, there's various reasons. Maybe Dwarven instinct?

Andvari expression embarrassed.png

When I was first summoned to this world, I didn't understand a damn thing. Front and Back, Left and Right, everything was so alien to me.

Andvari expression neutral.png

So, I did my research on the new world. Thakfully, there was no shortage of material to read up on.

Andvari expression sad.png

If the world changes, then common sense changes too. That's just how it works.

Andvari expression neutral.png

A country is made up of economy, goods, trade and culture. And what do you think is the underlying common ground in all that?

Andvari expression anger.png

Money! Money's what makes the world go 'round!

Andvari expression neutral.png

強欲だとか、遠巻きに言うヤツらはいるけどな。 言わせときゃあいいのよ、あんなの。

Andvari expression neutral.png

ソイツらが、俺に何かをしてくれるか? 財を失えば、コインを恵んでくれるってのか?

Andvari expression neutral.png

バカ言ってんじゃねぇよ! ガチで! 俺を助けるのは、俺が集めた財だけだ!

Andvari expression anger.png

Remember it. Coins will never betray you. That won't change no matter if the world, or common sense, or whatever else changes. For real.

Isn't it lonely, living that way?
Andvari expression sad.png

……You're just like this guy I used to know. A real meddler.

Andvari expression neutral.png

Who am I talking about? He was a brave guy. Real do-gooder type.

Andvari expression smarm-whatever.png

..... Don't give me that look. In our world, there was a demon king.

Andvari expression neutral.png

この東京にゃ、魔王らしくない魔王や、 悪魔らしくない悪魔もいっから、ピンと来ねぇか。

Andvari expression neutral.png

ま、要は世界を破滅させるのが目的の魔王。 悪と言っても差支えのないヤツらだ。

Andvari expression neutral.png

俺のいたドワーフの国も脅威に晒されていてな。 何度も魔王軍の侵攻があったんだよな、ガチで。

Andvari expression neutral.png

その時に現れたのが、「勇者様」御一向ってな。

Andvari expression neutral.png

ほっっっっっんと、お人好しの野郎でな。 いやーっ、とことん利用させてもらったぜ! ガチで!

……………。


Andvari expression neutral.png

……………。

Andvari expression sad.png

It really bothers me when you make that face. Seriously.

Andvari expression embarrassed.png

Here, a special reward for you only. We'll call it a token of appreciation for keeping my sacred artifact a secret.

Andvari removed one of the many rings on his fingers, tossing it to Player

A ring?


Andvari expression neutral.png

It's handmade. Just an ordinary ring though.

Andvari expression sad.png

You might be able to get it enchanted, I dunno. Magic is out of my jurisdiction, for real.

You can't use magic?
You're dexterous even with that belly.
Andvari expression anger.png

Belly's got nothin' to do with that! For real!

Why do you say 'for real all the time?
Andvari expression neutral.png

Aah, I guess it's a habit I picked up from the family. Our whole clan does it, so I guess it just got stuck in my brain? I've said it since I was a little brat. For real.


Andvari expression neutral.png

'Fraid not. Dwarves don't do magic. It's just how it is with our tribe.

Andvari expression sad.png

Maybe if it was a half-dwarf... I guess in theory, a dwarf could use magic if they had some elven blood.

Andvari expression neutral.png

ま、そんな物好きはエルフはそうそういねぇわな。

Andvari expression neutral.png

コインの価値もわからねぇエルフ族が、 ドワーフ族と契りを結ぶなんざ、あるわけがねえ。

Andvari expression neutral.png

もしそんな混血なんぞいたら、 腹踊りでも何でもしてやるよ、ガチでな!

Andvari expression neutral.png

さってと――行くとすっか。 そろそろ、出口も見つかっただろうしな。

Andvari expression neutral.png

サボってる思われちまうのもなんだし。 立てるだろ? ホラ。

Y-yeah, thanks.


二人きりだといいドワーフ?


Andvari expression neutral.png

なに笑ってんだよ……!

Andvari expression neutral.png

あ、勘違いしてんじゃねぇぞ!? 俺様は今回、間違ったことしてねぇからな!

Andvari expression neutral.png

てめぇまでいなくなったら、 俺一人が呪いひっかぶるじゃねぇかっ。

Andvari expression neutral.png

いいか! 次からも一緒に来い! 指輪はその「呪い」だかんな! ガチで!

Playerを起き上がらせると、 アンドヴァリはパッと手を離し。

丸い体と巨大な石斧を揺らしながら、 ドスドスと、勝手に歩きだす。

...And, muttered in a barely audible voice...

Andvari expression neutral.png

……助けてくれて、あんがとな。

With Player following behind, the two made their way home.


Andvari Character Quest Part 1                       -END-