Event Quest:Desert Journey:VN:6-1

[Translated by Kukuru]

Chapter 5: [The Xuanzang Party Learns the Truth]

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Location: Kochuuten

The chaos during the daytime ended, a calming evening then came. The wind mowed down the sandy dunes of the desert, the wave-like sounds echoed in your ears.

After finishing dinner and having a friendly chat with their friends, they finished their shower and returned to their room.

Then, about an hour on the floor, [Player] couldn't fall asleep.

Unable to fall asleep, [Player] got up and went for a stroll to the pool, as if they're being attracted to it.

3 options (Same Response)
It was more active during the daytime.	There's no one around at this time.	I should've took someone along.

Late-night swims is prohibited here, the lack of people were surprisingly silent and eerie.

2 options (Same Response)
Hmm......?	Is that -

Under an umbrella on the beachside, there is someone familiar there-

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

3 options
Bajie?	What are you doing out here?	3, 2, 1... Peek-a-boo! !
Hrm? Oh, it's just you, Xuanzang-sama. I could've swore you went to sleep already, buhehe.		Bughyaaaaaaa!! W-W-Who's there!? Ugh...... Xuanzang-sama, why? Why would you go around scaring me like that! Well anyways, what are you even doing at this hour? Around this hour is for adults like me -

Oooh...... I get it! You're a smooth operator, huh.

3 options (Same Response)
What are you talking about......?	Eh? What are you smiling about?	What are you doing here, Bajie?

Buhyahya, I'm joking, joking. You could hardly sleep, so you went for a nighttime stroll.

Me? I made success hitting on someone during dinner time.

We made plans to meet here. Oooh, come soon, my beautiful lady. Buhehe.

3 options
You actually did it!?	Did you get tricked somehow......?	Damn cheater!
Buheheheh! Be jealous! I can do it when the time comes!	D-Don't be stupid! They actually have feelings for me, y'know!	Bweh!? W-What!? Don't be so mad! What are you getting mad at me for!? Cheating is a kind of resourcefulness, but I need to afford playing with fire, no? Buhehe.

Anyways, there you have it. I'm gonna be busy now. Kids oughta go to their rooms, drink something warm and go to sleep.

Oh right...... You should be with Goku. Just in case something happens, y'know?

Alrighty, it's time! Time for you to git, git, git on out of here!

Bajie got up from under the umbrella and kicked [Player] out of the spot.

They then walked a few minutes from the place where Bajie was.

A cool breeze blew by, and the moonlight cast onto the surface of the water was calming.

2 options (Same Response)
It's a little nice out.	I'm getting drowsy.

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

3 options (Same Response)
Speaking of tonight -	That Narrator didn't show up.	I wonder why.

[Player] thought back on the tale described every night.

The older brother that's misunderstood as a crook - The devoted younger brother -

The death of a king - Turning their eyes of disbelief at the older brother -

2 options (Same Response)
...... Hmm? Now that I think about it -	Seth said something during the daytime.

I can be "disliked" by others, but I can't be "liked" either.

And in my mind...... The self-directed hatred burns forever.

2 options (Same Response)
So -	Are they connected somehow?

Then, after a while of listening to the wind blowing, sounds of footsteps got closer.

Turning their head, they hear the sounds of a sobbing nose.

Uwaaaaah...... [Player]...... You're still awake at this hour, huh? Pooey.

2 options (Same Response)
What happened, Bajie?	Yep, I knew it......

You were right, dammit. Aaah, sorry but do you have a tissue?

The people cleaning the pool threw me out. Incidentally, I saw my date with another person!

3 options
There there, it's gonna be okay.	You're incorrigible.	Should I be your lover?
[Player]~! You may be a kid, but you're such a nice person! I am fond of your smell. Aaah, I can't get enough of it~. (Sniff sniff). ...... What, am I some kind of pervert? Buhehehe, you could say that!	That's a no brainer. A small failure won't bring Bajie-sama down! Sleep, eat, enjoying myself and picking up girls! That is my dream.	Oooooooh!? Whether it's good or not, why would you say something like that! Ah, it's completely useless. Going in a time like this? No thanks. When the time comes, I'll come up front and make you fall for me, buheeheehee~.

Bleeeh! I cried so much that my nose is running. Bah, maybe I used up all my luck earlier today.

I'm gonna head back to the inn and get some sleep. I wouldn't stay up late if I were you. See -

1 option
...... Wait, Bajie.

What? Buhee. You're serious all the sudden.

2 options (Same Response)
Bajie -	What do you think about Seth's behavior earlier today?

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

Bajie, who was about to leave, unusually stiffened his face and stretched his spine.

...... Living as a person, everyone has something that they keep to themselves.

That is to say, pretending not to see it is like a form of kindness.

Besides, you shouldn't casually saddle yourself with problems of other people.

It's gonna be hell...... Y'know?

3 options
I'm Xuanzang for the time being.	Because I'm a friend to Seth.	But, you helped him during the day.
I see, that's what that Narrator chick said. You really are a talented priest. Maybe that's your calling, bughyahya.	Friend...... Friend, eh. Hehehe, what a naive thing to say. But, I guess it's not as bad when I'm with you.	That was on a whim. It was fun and enjoyable when I was doing it. I'm guessing you already know this, but - I had a stunning and cool smile, didn't I?

Well...... You don't really listen to what I say anyways.

If that's how you feel, then don't stop. But, let me give you one piece of advice.

Go get some sleep for today. Go to your room right now and tuck yourself in the futon.

2 options (Same Response)
Huh......?	What's this about?

Look...... We're finally gonna be at Flaming Mountains tomorrow.

You wouldn't want to be half-asleep when we confront the boss, do you?

That's why you should call it a day. You're gonna act as our leader tomorrow too.

2 options (Same Response)
Thanks, Bajie.	Good night, Bajie.

Back on his feet, Bajie waves goodbye then leaves.

What could this "strange feeling" be? It's sending chills down my spine.

[Player]...... You better head back, before you see anything.

Drowsiness, along with the chilly air of the evening, enshrouded their body.

2 options (Same Response)
I should get to bed soon.	Bajie warned me about something......

-- That moment.

???:( face) ...... U...... No...... I...... such......

They hear someone's voice. It sounded like screaming; like sounds of remorse.

???:( face) I did no such thing. I didn't intend on doing it.

???:( face) I liked him, I loved him, but I......

3 options (Same Response)
Who's there?	Could that voice be -	Seth's......?

Who......! Who's there!?

I, I...... What am I doing here......

Without focus, Seth was muttering about something with a blank expression.

No spirit and none of his roughness; Seth was dumbfounded.

Oh...... [Player]. You...... What are you doing here.

3 options (Same Response)
That's my line.	What the heck are you out here for?	Is there someone with you?

...... Who...... Oh, never mind. I...... I don't need "anybody."

2 options (Same Response)
Seth, is something wrong?	What you said during the day -

Hey, Xuan- No, [Player]. Is there...... Has anyone ever hated you before?

I can live on by myself. I'm still living. That's -

BECAUSE OF MY HOMETOWN......!!

[Transitioning...]

---

Location: Desert

Following Seth's words, the world instantaneously changed to a scene of a desert.

2 options (Same Response)
Eh?!	What just happened!?

A sea of sand on one side with no obstruction. A scorching hot sun and a hot breeze blows in the air.

That's...... "Me." I was here, and I left from here.

I...... threw everything away. I left everything behind......

But, why? Why did "I" leave?!

???:( face) What are you asking, idiot "Seth."

A dark, vulgar voice as infinitely deep like it was from the bottom of a pit.

A suspicious figure of Seth stands before their very eyes.

2 options (Same Response)
Seth -	There's two of you!?

Wha......!? Wh-What are you!!

Why do you look like "me"?! What the hell do you know about "me"!?

That's correct, you chose to forget.

The other Seth claims he is throwing out lies, giving a look like he looking down Seth, mocking him.

You threw away everything, you wanted to forget everything, you tried to kill off the past.

However - "Seth," you are a fool. You can't throw away the past.

Because this "me" is your "past." I am the manifestation of shame that you can't erase!

Wrong...... You're wrong! Wrong, wrong, wrong, WRONG!!

I - I!!

It's clear your heart is heavy even without weighing it against the feathers of truth.

Do not turn your eyes away from the truth. You should be destroyed.

Seth sits and holds his head, trembling like he's a heat haze, while the other Seth approaches.

3 options (Same Response)
I won't let you!	Get up and run, Seth!	Stay away from Seth! !

Throwing out a scream, a blade runs through the empty space, cutting the sky.

And the "Rule" of Disconnection was to cut off the shadow; that is what is supposed to happen.

2 options (Same Response)
The sword...... won't appear!	The "Sacred Artifact" isn't responding!

It is useless. This is... his world. This is a land of dry despair, the bottom of his inner heart.

O King of Mended Things, the one fated to carry out exorcisms, a Wanderer that cannot come close.

Why have you formed a bond - Sink in the rivers of hell with that fool!

The shadows becomes waves, engulfing everything in view.

Pain and anguish, coldness coming from loss craves for the warmth of the body.

2 options (Same Response)
My body -	I can't hear anything......

Stop! Don't touch me nor get close to me! [Player]...... Don't you lay a hand on them!

I...... Don't take "myself" away from me!

STOOOOOOOOOOP!!

A hopeless end; they feel that their deaths are going to happen at that moment.

Game refers to Thunderbird as "Heroic Birdman?" till he formally introduces himself.

Ihanbla Gmunka!!

A flash of light cuts through the darkness with bright trajectory.

It appears that acting as a "lookout" was the right choice.

Dear me, "you all" are carrying such tremendous baggage on those cute backs of yours!

2 options (Same Response)
I-I'm saved......?	T-That voice!

You raise your eyes as you hear a deep, cool voice. What they saw was a Birdman with slender limbs.

A newcomer, eh.

Wipe those tears away, Baby! That's right...... Your hero has arrived!

The hero of the lonesome and persecuted - Thunderbird! Coming through!

3 options (Same Response)
Thunderbird......!?	...... Huh, you remind me of someone.	This man is delighted about giving his name like that......

Nice to meet you, Baby. From that face, the situation is a lot for you to take in.

But, an explanation and reveal will be put on hold till later.

At any rate, this "me" is a monster of an opponent that is somewhat difficult for me.

So then - Will you lend me your powers, Baby?

The Birdman then snapped his fingers. Following the cue, a "Sacred Artifact" returns to both their hands.

What returned in their hands was no doubt the sword of disconnection.

2 options (Same Response)
This is......!	What in the hell?!

Heroes can use small miracles "here." Be sure to remember that.

Now you will be able to fight back. However, that is "the Monster of the Id."

Touching them for a long time will eat away your mind. Fight cautiously.

Now, let's begin!!

3 options (Same Response)
I don't get what's going on, but -	I will save Seth!	Let's go, Thunderbird-san!

[Battle]

---

.......!!

Kuh...... Hah......

The Black Shadow scatters away with a blow from the sword and Thunderbird's power,

All that's left behind was a dry world of sand.

Seth lies on the ground with a relieved expression, losing consciousness.

2 options (Same Response)
Seth! !	You alright!?

You did a fine job, Baby. You are cute, but you hold a lot of power.

3 options
Thunderbird-san, is Seth...	Where are we?	What was that monster a minute ago?
It seems you rejected contact with the outside world by the defensive instinct of the consciousness. Don't panic. He'll have no trouble waking up if appropriate measures are taken.	This is a world where ordinary people will not perceive. If there is a right word to describe it, it would be "the other side."	Only "he" would tell us the answer to that. It's a very delicate problem. I cannot disclose it on my own free will. ( face) Having said that, Thunderbird gives a sexy wink at [Player].

Thunderbird took out something from his chest that looked like a net.

Putting it on Seth's chest, he muttered something in a low voice so you can't hear him.

Seth:( face) ....... Uu...... Soo...... Fu.......

Seth falls asleep, making peaceful sleeping noises.

His figure disappears as if he's dissolving into the empty sky.

2 options (Same Response)
S-Seth!?	Where did he go!?

Stay calm. He's gone back to the soft, fluffy bed from this cruel, terrible nightmare.

Right about now, I'm sure he's buried his face on a pillow, having nice dreams.

Even so, I'm surprised. That fight, you were on par with a hero such as myself......

Like lightning, you give me the impression of an old friend. The prophecy of the 7th Thunder - Oh, excuse me.

...... So, care to tell me who you are?

2 options (Same Response)
Thunderbird-san -	Who the heck are you......?

...... Sorry, I shouldn't have asked when I'm trying to act undercover.

On the other hand, in honor for your cooperation, let's see what I can talk to you about.

After thinking about the question through, Thunderbird talked in a low voice.

I work 2 jobs, day and night. One of them is, well it is too boorish to put into words.

If you happen to figure it out by any chance, then please keep it a secret. That is a rule of a hero.

The other is that I protect the peaceful slumber of everyone around...... It's a literal "dream hero."

I took the wishes of my deceased friend of lightning - that is the way I live. A hero named Thunderbird, that's how it's ought to be.

...... But, to think I would find anyone this deep down.

Even with wings of pride, I couldn't have made it in time. It was all thanks to you holding out.

Thanking and thanking them, the gentleman then frowned and threw an apology.

Please excuse the verbal slip just now.

As I am the one that crosses through dreams and flies through the depths of the consciousness, it's advised that I keep quiet about everyone's mental images.

For that reason, why are you here is something I shouldn't ask.

3 options (Same Response)
I'm fine with it though.	That's a rough job.	I don't mind that you saved me.

Thank you. Thanks to your kindness, you will be having nice dreams tonight.

....... Here's a heads-up. From now on, a strange phenomenon will occur based on "him."

It swallowed up the desert world that you all are traveling in, it's a strange phenomena that can even affect the outside as well.

You - Don't look away from him, don't look away from the cane wielder.

2 options (Same Response)
Eh......?	You mean Seth?

"He" is a sobbing, lost child residing in the depths of a complex pyramid - That "lost child" needs someone to lead the way, to break free from the chaos.

You...... Will you be his hero?

3 options (Same Response)
I will protect Seth, even I'm not asked to.	Thanks for the heads-up, snazzy Hero-san.	If that will get me back to Tokyo, then alright.

....... Thank you. As protector of the lonely children's dreams, I give you my thanks, brave child.

Well, the night is slowly coming to an end. The nightmare has passed, it is time to start the day with the rising sun.

I pray that today's day will be full of luck for you.

And, what you saw today is very confidential. Promise that for the "hero," okay, Baby?

Well then, it's time to go. Good morning, sweet baby......

Thunderbird's figure disappears. He leaves behind an awfully strange message the moment he leaves.

And then, the world was washed with light, awakening the consciousness.

Oh hey! You woke up, [Player]!

You should be thankful. You fall behind schedule every day, so I came to get you.

3 options (Same Response)
Oh, I see.	I'll try to get up early from now on.	It's supposed to be "good morning."

What the, why are you staring at me like that......? Is there something on my face?

Seth having said that, it seems that he's more energetic than he was yesterday.

3 options (Same Response)
Let's go get breakfast, Seth.	Let's go on ahead of Goku and the others.	Is Bajie still asleep?

Oh, you finally got your act together? Goku and the others are already waiting in the dining room.

We'll be at Flaming Mountains at last. Let's put up a good fight, Xuanzang-sama!

Seth pressing on with his voice, he leaves to the dining room.

The destination being Flaming Mountains, the group will soon head there.