Event Quest:Desert Journey:VN:2-2

[Translated by Kukuru]

Chapter 1: Formation, The Volume of Priest Xuanzang's Party Part 2

Location: Desert

---

Sand all about. The sun was the only thing to use for directions.

3 options (Same Response)
Shirou!	Kengo!	Ryouta!

[Player] walked around while being touched by the burning hot sand at their feet.

3 options (Same Response)
Toji!	Hanuman!	Hakumen-chan, Xolotl!

There was nothing to aim for. Yet, they wouldn't want to stand idly on the same spot.

Trying their best to escape the burning sands of hell, They wandered around in search for any means of rescue.

1 option
Is there anybody out here!

Then, at that moment.

???:( face) Bugyhaaaaa!!?

They felt something soft under their feet, along with a familiar scream.

2 options (Same Response)
Eh?!	What the?!

Mumbling and thrashing about, there was a thick mountain of sand.

From there, two holes poked through the sand; it was a pig's nose.

???:( face) Aaaaaargh! Is someone theeeere......?!

???:( face) I-I'm dying in here......! Get me outta here......!

3 options
Is that you, Ganglie......?	What are you doing here?	Looks like you're having fun.
???:( face) [Player]?! How did you get here?! ???:( face) B-Bah, I don't got time for this right now! Just hurry and help me out!	???:( face) [Player]?! You...... Gah, never mind that! ???:( face) C-Can't you see what's happening here?! I'm about to die buried alive under the sand here! ???:( face) I'm having a hard time breathing right now. I'm begging you, do something quick!!	???:( face) Uweheh, it does seem like that huh. It definitely does...... look like I'm having fun here. ???:( face) Please...... I'm completely drying up here. Oh huh, I'm starting to pass out...... Aaah......

Struggling to dig him out, the man bursts out gasping for air.

Haaaaaaaaah!! Man, that was the worst thing ever!

I was in the middle of the time of my life. Yeah, I really was......

Oh yeah, almost forgot. Thanks, [Player]. You just saved my life back there.

3 options (Same Response)
No problem.	Okay so-	How did you even end up buried in the sand?

Huh? Oh...... I don't even know what happened.

I was doing it big with the flirting. I was hanging out with a cutie too......

I think a light just came out of nowhere, and the next thing I knew I was buried in the sand.

Damn, this is the worst. I was hoping it'd last longer, yeah?

3 options
Flirtatious as always......	You were playing around?	You're wearing a surfing outfit for the ladies?
Don't you know by now? Flirting on the beach is a summer tradition. If a cutie is hanging out there, I'll call out to them. It's what keeps me going in life, buhehehe.	Whoa whoa, what are you even talking about? You thought I was watching and playing around with them? "I'm gonna lie down and play in the sand" heh. Maybe they'll all come crawling back to me.... Heh!	Hm? Oh. It was Typhon. He talked me into it. "Riding the waves will make you popular!" Well, the things he's said could be bogus- I'm willing to try it out though. So, this time I'm your fellow surfer dude. This is how you live out the summer right?

That's really weird though. I don't see the resort facility anywhere......

...... Geez, I wish I got some motivation right now! I'm supposed to be spending time with my classy lady right now!

Godammit! Where am I supposed to go now!!

1 option
I need to tell you something......

...... I see. You got attacked by a strange guy, and then the next thing you knew you got thrown out here......

Could this be a "different world"? Am I getting dragged into this again?!

No, I shouldn't jump to conclusions. Though, what the hell is happening......?

I need to put off my thoughts for now. We need to find shade for now.

I'm starting to feel like a dried fish. At this rate, I'm gonna be charred black.

Huh? Oh, that reminds me, did you see happen to see someone around here?

3 options (Same Response)
There's someone else here?	Who could be here other than us?	It's just you so far, Ganglie.

Okay then. While I was buried under the sand, I heard a voice......

Hey, can we change gears here? Seriously, I don't want to become grilled pork-

???:( face) Heeeeey! There's someone here!

Something appears to be making their way through the sand in the distance. That silhouette doesn't seem to mind the heat.

Heeeeeeeey! Is that really you, [Player]-dono!?

2 options (Same Response)
It's really you, Hanuman!	Did you get thrown out here too?!

I noticed that there wasn't anyone else but me......! I was getting real lonely heeeeere!!

Huh?! Hang on a sec, is that true?!

What about the cool hotel, the water filled pool, and most of all, my cute date?!

We're far away from everyone else and just about all the buildings. There's nothing out here but plain sand!

Could it be that Tokyo turned into a balmy world?!

3 options (Same Response)
It's definitely hot, but I doubt that's the case.	We could say it's a post-apocalypse.	If there's no one else around, then it's hopeless.

I don't see anything like an oasis here. I think that's a bad sign.

Argh, give me a break......! I hate being hot and cold!

2 options (Same Response)
We have no choice but to keep moving.	It's too bad there isn't any shade around here.

Eeh, hue, bleeeh....... Even if we keep going, it's nothing but sand, sand, sand......

I'm pretty sensitive you know. Physical labor really isn't my thing.

Y-Yeah, without water or shade, I'm not gonna have any strength left in me.

Aaah...... I can see my...... stamina gauge blinking right now......

3 options (Same Response)
I'm slowly reaching my limit as well......	Ugh...... I'm starting to get dizzy.	A swimsuit in a desert is..... damn impsossible.

They began to hallucinate along with the insides of their brain cooking up. In addition, their skin burned up and ached badly.

Heatstroke is the word that comes to mind. They could not stand it anymore.

1 option
Someone...... Someone help.

At that moment, Ganglie stopped [Player] in their tracks with his "Sacred Artifact," a hoe.

... Stay right there. "They're coming"!

Sounds of a buggy's engine can be heard getting closer and closer.

And then, the source of that sound came and jumped over the ridge of the sand dune.

Yeeeeeehaaaaaaaw!!

2 options (Same Response)
Whoa, what?!	Where'd they come from?!

A group of strange beastmen came out of nowhere. They then jumped off the buggy and surrounded [Player] and the others.

Each and every one of them had weapons and aimed them towards the group.

H... Hey, are we getting attacked?! Why now of all times......!

You gotta keep in mind of getting attacked in these kind of situations. They were probably waiting for the right moment to attack us......

Look at what we came across! Don't they look nice!

You didn't even prepare yourselves for traveling around the desert! That's why you made yourselves an easy target!

What are you even trying to gather in a place like this? Doing "labor" here is the most reckless thing I've ever heard.

Seeing that these guys have rare "Sacred Artifacts," we might as well steal them and sell them off!

...... Ah geez, I should've planned something ahead before they got here.

2 options (Same Response)
What do you mean, Ganglie?!	Tell me......!

Don't look down on me like that. Even if I look like this, I was formerly a soldier alright?

Somehow, I knew there were strange signs going on. It was pretty obvious that there was danger lurking around.

Besides, I can't even fight here. The only way I can use my "Sacred Artifact" is a place with water.

You and Hanuman said it yourselves; we're having problems with our physical strength right now.

So, even if I wanted to come up with a plan, I figured I'd just play along.

H-Huh.....! So what was your plan then?!

I literally said "I should've planned something before they got here" a while ago. How did you not remember that?

3 options (Same Response)
That's-	Looks like we have to fight them......	I'm exhausted though......

What's up with them? They're literally surrounding us at all sides.

...... W-Wait! Do we have to do this......?

We need to do our best and hold them back. It's the only thing we can do right now.

A sweaty and wasted [Player] tried many times to ready their "Sacred Artifact."

Come on then! Let's see how long you'll last!

Get 'em!!

[Battle]

---

2 options (Same Response)
Whoa! !	Tch......! !

Despite putting up a good fight, the scorching hot breeze continues to envelope them. As a result, [Player] and the others reached the limit of their physical strength.

The bandits took the chance to mow them down, pushed them into the ground, and finally hold them down.

Nooo......! If only I could use my usual ninjutsu right now......!

Just give it up, Hanuman...... We might as well get sold for cash and maybe they'll feed us too.

3 options
T-This can't be......	Shit!	T-That hurts......
		Hrm? This fellow...... Are you getting agitated with us? Since you've been sitting out in the sun for so long, you must be getting a heatstroke. Just deal with it.

Alright, we're gonna load all of you onto the loading platform! We're gonna take you to a merchant, then-

???:( face) ... Hold it.

Despite being in a desperate situation with no escape, a familiar voice echoed somewhere nearby.

???:( face) T-That voice......! Wherever you are, show yourself!!

The bandits seemed to be trembling in fear. Then, what happened next was-

Guaaaaaah!?

2 options (Same Response)
Huh......?!	What the......?!

Again, the game calls Seth a "Dog 'Transient'?" till later on.

You! How many times do I gotta drive you out of here! I'm not letting you get away with greedy business in my desert!

This chap's remarks, it's gotta be Seth-san! Thwarting our business as always!!

Hey, you! Shut your trap! We're gonna make you scream for your life today!

Bring it then. If it's a fight you want, then I'll give you one!

A beastman whom they just called "Seth," leaped out at them with a shriek, wielding a cane in his hand and engaged the bandits to a fight.

Haaaaaaaaaaah!!

Gwaaah!!

Gaaah!!

You little shit, you're getting on my nerves......! I'll fight you myself then!!

The bandit seemed to be completely agitated. They threw [Player] aside who they were trying to use as a sales good.

3 options (Same Response)
Ouch		Y-You're helping us...?!	It's you from before...!

Whoa, who's this guy supposed to be? He's ignoring us and giving those guys a fight instead!

S-So strong! With movement like that, there's no way he's an ordinary guy!

H...... Hah.

Despite being surrounded by a bunch of bandits, the beastman continued to leap out, before finally landing on the hood of the bandits' buggy.

Ooooo, nice ride you got here. Then I'll just......!

The beastman pushed the tip of his cane into the hood of the car. Then, the car blew out black smoke along with some flames spewing out.

Y... You little shit!! How dare you mess with our lifeline!!

Hmph! Looks like you're still upbeat after my attack. Why don't you just walk yourselves home? This thing is bad for the environment.

The beastman who made a witty remark, went over to [Player] and readied his "Sacred Artifact."

Okay, I'll be taking good care of these keepsakes. "That person" seems to need 'em for something.

Ifuefu emu peto!!

The moment the beastman pierced the ground with his shining cane, a huge tornado broke out, engulfing [Player] in it.

2 options (Same Response)
Gyaaaaaa?!	I'm flyiiiiing

The beastman, with a strong force though small body, pulled [Player] towards him.

Don't worry, I got you! Sooaar!!

Bugyaaaaaa!! A-Am I flying through the air?!

Wooohooooo! This is so much fun!!

J-Just you wait, Seth!! We won't forget this......!!

If you had enough, then go clean yourselves up! Well then, catch you guys later!

Almost like surfing, the beastman was riding the sandstorm. While holding something in his arms-

2 options (Same Response)
A-Awesome...... But-	Already, at my limit here......

[Player] then lost consciousness.

???:( face) A place where no figure has control over, like that group of brutes.

Time has passed. A voice reached a world where it should've been closed off.

???:( face) ... Ah, mmmm! I am so grateful to experience water again......

???:( face) Having a beautiful lady right in front of you is even better...... Buhehe.

???:( face) ... Sheesh. Your lust came back even after you recovered? Grow up already. Also, your friend is still sleeping.

With the presence of cool air and water, they woke up to the sensation of being saved.

3 options (Same Response)
I recall hearing a voice.	I'm still alive......	(Get up)

Oh, look who's awake. Don't worry, you didn't end up being sun-dried.

That's surprising though. Walking around the desert lightly dressed, do you have a deathwish or something?

Where the hell did you come from anyway? Did "you" get blown away too?

3 options (Same Response)
You're the dude that attacked me		You're shameless......!	We met before though, right?

Whoa...... Wait just a minute. Don't label me with the weird stuff.

I don't even know if there's someone out there like me, let alone remember meeting you before.

For starters, I spent a month here after I was blown to this desert.

Those boneheads from earlier and most of the victims; they're the only things I've seen so far.

Oh...... About that resemblence thing, maybe it could be my......

Nah, it's nothing. Don't worry about it.

Oh, I haven't given you my name yet. I'm Seth, I work as a protector of this oasis.

3 options (Same Response)?
Oh, I'm [Player].	Thanks for the help.	Sorry for bursting out like that.

It's nothing. It's natural to help out a traveler who collapsed in the desert.

I have done a lot by myself. I mean it.

After saying that, Seth looked over his shoulder. There was a figure of a woman wearing a glamorous outfit.

Again, Christine is called the "Mysterious Narrator."

Good evening, young travelers. I trust you are doing well?

2 options (Same Response)
Who might you be......?	Have we met before?

I am the one who watches over the desert world, while also being the narrator of a poor exile-

In addition, you were "chosen" to play these characters; the ones who will see the end of this tale.

"T-The end of this tale"......? What kind of lady is she......?

Wait, so does that mean we're living inside a book......?

... That is a "yes" or "no." This desert where you currently reside is indeed the "world" that exists.

...... However, on the path that you follow, there is a clear "synopsis."

If you and everyone strongly wish to return to the original world-

For you in this "tale," you must reach the appropriate period.

2 options (Same Response)
W-What do you mean......?	You know how to get out of this desert?

There is no need to worry. I know the "tale" that you need to follow.

Everything was given to me as a narrator; it is all written in this novel.

The narrator held a thick novel in her hands, and gently pets them.

3 options
Can you tell me?	Lemme read that book.	I wanna be that book......
Yes, of course...... You are also an important character.	Forget it. I tried to take a peek once too- Nothing was written in it. Apparently it must be some kind of mechanism where only that person can read it.	What a coincidence, [Player]. I was thinking the same thing myself. You guys...... Get serious about returning to the original world will ya?

Oh yeah. When I first met you, didn't you say something about "characters"?

"Characters" that are necessary for you to go back, could they be it?

Correct. To proceed with this "tale," 3 people are needed.

Now, I will share with you...... The "synopsis of the story" that you should follow.

The narrator quietly opens the novel, and flips over the pages.

A faint jade-colored light released from a page of the novel.

After flipping the pages several more times and began to sing. The words that she sang affected reality.* TL Note: This is a kotodama where the Japanese believed mystical powers dwelled in words and names.

From here towards the west, the direction of the sunset, please make your way to the ends of the desert.

There, at the center of this desert, there is a mountain full of flames.

Its name is "Flaming Mountains" - A burning land where one who claims to be the King of Beasts rule over it.

Seth:(desert_neutral face) Could it be that the Flaming Mountains and the Beast that lives there is the one that created this desert?

The Flaming Mountains eliminates the water from this land; it can also induce heat waves to the big cities.

All heat waves and droughts - The main cause is the Flaming Mountains and the Beast that dwells there.

What!? It was hot this summer in Tokyo too, the Flaming Mountains has to be the cause of it......!

Ugh...... So it's connected to why Tokyo is so damn hot this summmer huh?

3 options
It's simple and easy to understand.	Wonder what kind of place Flaming Mountains is?	How far should we travel to the west?
Basically, we need to head out to Flaming Mountains, play everything out thoroughly with the Beast and destroy the mountain of flames. Sounds easy enough. I can feel my arms itching to go.	Flaming Mountains...... I wonder if I heard of a place like that before. Bah, whatever. It's not a big deal if I don't remember.	Hey, that won't be problem no matter how far it is. I'll be sure to keep at it since we took a good break just now! If [Player]-dono gets stressed, I'll carry you to Flaming Mountains!

Assessing the reactions from everyone, the narrator laughs. Then, she pulled what seemed to be clothes.

You will be in trouble going out there with swimsuits. You will be playing those "characters" with this.

Ooooh~? I've seen those clothes before. I think the name of it was something like yesterday or tomorrow......

Hahaha, this is a kasaya, clothes mainly worn by monks.

In this guise, it will help you through the heat of the desert.

I definitely don't want to go out into the desert in a swimsuit again. I don't want to go through all that again.

Besides, a monk's clothing isn't something I had in mind-

I'm not really up for wearing that, but that kind of fashion seems comfortable to wear.

Hey hey, Ganglie-dono used to be a monk! I gotta say that it's the real deal!

What is this on my part? I thought my current outfit will do the job......

3 options (Same Response)
Let's change into them right now.	You need to make sacrifices to make change.	Whatever you say, Ganglie......

They changed into the clothes corresponding to the "role" given to each of them-

Gah, wait a second here!! You expect me to go out there like this!

These are my everyday clothes! Why can't you give me something different and better to wear!

Don't be like that, Ganglie-dono! That outfit makes you look really cool!

Now, check me out! Toouh! Yaaaah!

Eheheh, it's easy to move around in these!

Yeah, it definitely does feel comfortable wearing these. I think these were fittingly made for a monk.

How about you, [Player]? It does suit you well, and it makes you look like a noble.

3 options (Same Response)
T-Thanks.	It feels like a cosplay.	It does make me feel like I'm higher up.

Yes yes, this is the land of a foreign country. Most travelers here are intolerant.

I wonder. Where is the one dressed as a monk?

Monk huh...... Is there any meaning behind that?

A figure that shows no intent on fighting. Depending on the location, a takuhatsu is possible.

Yeah yeah, I know about that! You take a bowl out and you get a meal!

Hanuman-sama is quite knowledgeable, no? There is no need for me to explain it then.

Yeeah! I am a ninja that turned himself into a monk! I'm familiar with period drama after all!

Bleeh, I want them to forgive me...... In the original world, they were pretty bitter about me.

Anyways, we're dragged into the "tale" as its characters right? If that's entirely the case, are our names left as it is?

If we're gonna follow the script, you did set an official title for it right?

Yes, you are correct. I will tell you more about it.

With a smile on her face, the narrator spoke frankly.

... Here, such traditions are referenced.

"In the far ends of the west, there lies a paradise for those escaping the hardships of 3 worlds."

"Its name is India. A land where Mahavairocana's infinite mercy governs."

"When he received the knowledge of the universe as he slept in the storehouse, his body escaped the karma of this world, without sorrow."

That...... What do you mean by that? I'm not sure if I follow what you're saying.

The Demon of Flaming Mountains rules over this world.

It's purpose, is to disturb the lives of the people.

So, this will disguise itself as "a journey to seek the teachings of India."

The narrator closes the book again, then turns to face [Player] and told them-

[Player]-sama... you are a participant for this journey.

I propose that you will travel as Xuanzang, a priest in search for the "three scriptures."

3 options
X-Xuanzang?!	I'm fine with an important role like that.	Please show some respect.
		Bwahahah! I feel you just nominated yourself as a degenerate monk! W-What?! Don't look at me like I'm one too!

Sounds interesting! I'll be Xuanzang's companion then!

Going on an adventure is making me feel really excited!

I guess there's no other way for me to get back home...... I'll come along with you then, Xuanzang.

Going on a disciplinary journey as a priest's companion though...... If it's all for a drama, then I'm not opposed to playing the part.

...... It's a little strange though. If there's nothing else to do, then I don't see why not.

Alright, I've made up my mind. I'll jump on board with all of this.

I will be your escort then, Xuanzang!

3 options (Same Response)
This is a lot to take in...	Well, if everyone else says so...	It's the only way for us to get home.

Ah, it appears you came to a conclusion, Xuanzang.

Ou, ou! Me Me! Do you have a new name for me?

Yes, of course. Hanuman-sama - your name is "Goku."

Like in the original novel, Son Wukong is the name of Xuanzang's best disciple who left on a journey with him.

Oooooooh!! What a coincidence! I have the same name as the main character from that cartoon!

...... But, this is different from that super-famous costume.

Oh well! It's easy to move around in, so it still counts for something!

The name for Xuanzang's other disciple - Ganglie-sama, how about we call you "Zhu Baije"?

"Zhu Baije" huh...... It sounds a bit plain, but if that's what the beautiful lady says, then I'm not against it.

As for the name of the other disciple, Seth-sama-

I-I'm good! I don't need an alias!

Everyone around here knows my name. Just call me "Seth" like you usually do.

Of course. That won't be an issue.

One night passed at the oasis. Xuanzang and the other lined up in a row.

3 options (Same Response)
We need to get going soon.	We're going to the see the Demon of Flaming Mountains.	We'll make it back to Tokyo.

Yeah! I'm ready when you are!

When we get back to Tokyo, let's go on a little date!

That's the spirit, guys! To Flaming Mountains!

Everyone:( face) Aaaaaaaaye!!

Thus, [Player] and the others formed the Xuanzang Group.

They embarked on an adventure, but what obstacle awaits them in their path?

Ah, that is it for the tale here. We will meet again on another night.