Character Quest:Volos:VN:1

[Translation by Kukuru]

Episode 1: Brimming with Cultivated Feelings

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In my memories, the skies of my hometown, Kitezh, had thick clouds along with snowstorms. And, I hated thunder.

It was always frightening for me because that was easily trampling down on the earth. Eventually, I stopped looking at the sky.

The people were thankful for the earth's harvest with a moment of sunlight. And, I was staring off at that circle like it was someone else's problem.

It was painful to be watching from a distance. Eventually, I stopped looking up.

Because of that, I would always be looking downwards.

[Jumps to present day.]

---

Location: Shinjuku

It feels great to be taking a stroll early in the morning~! I'm really feeling it!

The bright sun, a nice gentle breeze, and it's just the two of us! Salomon-kun and Master-sama!

Heheh, please give lots of attention to Salomon-kun, your pretty, lovely, fluffy and rejuvenating familiar!

3 options
(Give him a good fluffing)	(Stretch his cheeks)	(Gently pet him)
Heeeeeey~! What's with the rough treatment, Master-samaaa!? Well... Salomon-kun, a cutesy, commendable devil butler would do anything for Master-sama!		Eheheh~. This superb petting is good for my health~! I can't get enough of Master-sama's petting techniques~!

???:( face) [Playeeeeer]~!

Wha-? Who said thaaat!?

(Pant), (Pant), (Pant). Aaah, I finally caught up with you...!

2 options
Just in time, Volos!	I waited and waited for you.
What a relieeeef.	Eh!? Did ya happen to come early? Sorry, I should've left a little more early for ya.

Oh right, he arranged something with you today, Master-sama... It was after you helped Bear-san during Halloween.

Well, okay then! I'll go ahead and poof myself away in a good way. I hope you'll share those tasty vegetables with me later!

What's the matter? Something going on there?

Anyways... Good morning, [Player]. I trust you been keeping an adequate pH level in your body?

2 options
Pee... huh?	You bet!
It's basically alkaline and acidity. For example, lemon juice is acidic.	Good to hear. You're healthy just like the soil in my fields!

Of course, the soil is important in raising vegetables. An inbalance of pH is the cause of different diseases...

Whoops, I didn't mean to ramble on like that. Thank you for being here early in the morning, [Player].

2 options (Same Response)
I'm fine with that, but -	Am I to help with sampling food?

I was able to harvest a new kind of vegetable I studied about. I'm heading on over to my friend's shop for a taste test.

2 options (Same Response)
Are they actually cooking with it?	We're gonna taste the real deal?

Yep, it was what I felt back during Halloween. I was able to branch out my outlook of things, little by little.

Recently, I had all kinds of people sampling my vegetables. I wanted to carry out an analysis from a universal standpoint.

But... It's a completely new breed this time. The thought of what kind of reactions they would give makes me nervous...

That's why I asked ya for assistance. Could you do me a favor and accompany me...?

3 options
Leave it to me!	Free food! !	A romantic date, with dinner!
Thank you. I knew I could depend on ya!	I brought plenty of vegetables for the sampling, ahaha. Hope it'll meet your expectations.	Dah!? D-D-D-Date!? W-Well, I suppose... It kinda is. Daw, you shouldn't be teasing your Senpais like that! Goodness...

Oh, is it time already!? We need to get going, [Player]!

2 options (Same Response)
Wrong way, wrong way!	The train station's that way!

Eh?! I give up, ahaha. I don't come here often, so I haven't learned my way 'round yet...

Let's see, you said the station's this way, right? Okay, I'll get it right this time!

Ughyaaaa!

Yeowch... I hit my nose on the billboaaard... Let's see, it should be this way.

3 options (Same Response)
No, that's not the right way either!	You never change, Volos...	(Hold his hand quietly)

S-Sorry... Umm, could you please lead the way for me...?

[Transitioning...]

---

Location: Japanese Restaurant

Welcome, Volos-san. I was waiting for you.

Howdy, Ebisu. Sorry for taking you out of your day-off.

2 options
Long time no see, Ebisu!	This will be a feast!
[Player]! I heard from Volos-san, so please make yourself comfortable.	Ahaha. Please go easy on that...

2 options (Same Response)
That reminds me -	Do you two know each other?

The marine school of the university department that little Ebisu attends and my school often forms a joint team that studies the ecology of other worlds.

I was introduced to here before the team first launched, sometimes I was asked to monitor Ebisu.

Volos-san would, on occasion, give me delicious vegetables to use. He's been such a great help.

So, we're going to be sampling his new vegetables today. Alright, let's get to it...

COUNT ME IN TOO!

3 options
What the, Benten!?	It's been a while, Benten.	Yoo-hoo! Benten!
Hold up, what kind of reaction is that!? Can't you say something better than that? That isn't the first thing you would say -	You're awfully calm about this... This is an exciting reunion, y'know. You could at least be more upbeat about it!	Now that's what I'm talkin' about! Timing my entrance was worth the effort!

Wait, Volos, is that you!? The name's Benten! I'm a beautiful biwa rockstar, aiming to be the top on the SNS!

Ah, you must be the tester that Ebisu mentioned! Nice to meet ya, Benten!

2 options (Same Response)
Is he ignoring all this!?	Is this okay for an adult...?

Umm, you shouldn't be agitated from seeing Benten for the first time. Volos-san is an adult after all.

Come on, let's get on with the experiment! I'm sure it'll be the start of a new trend!

H-Hey, don't overpower me like that!

Alright, we'll be excusing ourselves for now.

No problem. Take good care of my vegetables!

[A few moments later...]

---

Sorry to keep you waiting. I tried to make as many I can think of.

I arranged all this food just for you! This is perfect for the glory of the SNS!

That's incredible, you two! I'm getting excited just from looking at them!

2 options (Same Response)
Let's dig in!	Thank you for the food!

I'll be! It's very delicious, Ebisu! I'm happy for the vegetables that I made!

3 options (Same Response)
It's insanely good!	I can savor it just by looking, and I can appreciate it with my tongue.	It's like eating a work of art!

Eating a work of art... That sounds like something you say on the SNS! You sounded like a nice poet there, [Player]...!

A "poet" ... You say?

2 options (Same Response)
Volos?	Something bothering you?

P-Pardon me! It'd be nothing at all! I just happened to remember something from the old days.

Anyways... How did you like my vegetables? Can ya give me your impressions, the good and the bad?

They were truly amazing vegetables, Volos-san! More and more images on food continue to spring up in my mind!

The flavor is so rich that you don't think you're using the same vegetables everyday. The color is beautiful, and the presentation is incredible too!

Ebisu, you should know! Which child do ya happen to appreciate the work of!? Let's discuss about this carrot for instance!

The sugar content of a common carrot should be about 6~8% for a child ages 13 to 14. When used in juice, it should be adequate enough to experience the flavor!

Of course, it's not only flavorful, but high in nutrients as well! Carotene was the original name for that, and then there's all kinds of vitamins too.

Their contents are also increasing by 30% by conventional species! The secret to that is a mineral found in seawater!

The mineral found in tides flying off a typhoon was the first theme of study, to determine the effects it gives to the cultivation of these vegetables.

Ah right, speaking of the mineral, generally...

3 options (Same Response)
Stop!	I could listen to you ramble all day.	(Quietly observe)

H-Huh? Sorry! Guess I got carried away again...

Volos-san...

I-I'm sorry, Ebisu. Did I bore you?

Amazing! It was amazing!!

Eh!? Umm, Ebisu, what do you...

You're very knowledgeable about vegetables, and you're very passionate about it! Indeed, these vegetables truly mean a lot to you!

As a chef, I would like to learn more! Volos-san, could you give me some lessons!?

Nice! Your passion about these vegetables is totally rockin'! You'll be one of my members -

U-Uh... The two of you should calm yourselves... I only wanted your opinions on the sampli-

Volos:(surpised face) H-Hey, listen to meeee!!

3 options
Stop, stooooop!	Ebisu, you're missing the point of this! !	Benten, you can't be canvassing people!
	I-I'm so sorry! I unintentionally got hooked into it...	Ah... I was dazzled by Volos' incredible talent that I was about to forget the trend...

T-Thank you, [Player]. I owe ya one...

(Ahem)... Let's get back on track.

Anyhow, these vegetables are certainly extraordinary. That's what I think of them.

However... I find it very odd. Why do I have this uncomfortable feeling?

Uncomfortable feeling...? Is it not the flavor or presentation?

Correct. It's a little hard to explain in words...

Volos-san's vegetables are masterpieces in flavor and presentation. The delicious flavor is like a dream come true, if I say so myself.

On the other hand, an uneasy feeling remains in the dishes I put together. It doesn't feel complete even though I cooked with them......

I-Is that right...? By the way, what were you specifically referring to?

I'm sorry. I was specifically talking about myself...

I think I should follow the Owner's advice more precisely. ... (Sigh), I still have much to learn.

Anyways, I'll keep trying other things with the vegetables you've given me. I have yet to find the problem.

This was pretty interesting! I'd love to do this again! I'll be waiting and expecting you, Volos!

Mmm-hmm! Thank you, both of you. I'll look forward to next time!

[Transitioning...]

---

Huhuh~.

2 options (Same Response)
What's up?	You're in a good mood, Volos.

You betcha! There were lots of discoveries found in such a short amount of time~!

Even with my long chats which I believe are my long-time pitfall, I can see myself as being passionate if I were to look from one perspective...

2 options
Are you gonna lecture Ebisu next time?	The rock show debut?
W-Well... Ya got that right. I figure he'll be okay with my shoddy stories though. I'm looking forward to seeing him again next time.	Me as a rock band member!? Well, if I do that with you - I can't do it! Absolutely not! Were ya tryin' to agitate me!?

I got feedback from two people as well! He mentioned an uneasy feeling outside the 5 senses too.

2 options (Same Response)
That bothers you still?	The uneasy feeling?

It's because I got feedback, a completely different opinion other than my own! I found the analysis to be very interestin'!

What form of testing should I do, I wonder... Hmmm...

Ughyaaa!

Ouch!!

I-I'm so sorry! Are you alright!? You're not hurt, are you?!

You bitch! How dare you mess up my Big Bro's hair!? I spent 2 hours brushing it, y'know!

Man, you talk too much! ... Hrm? That vegetable basket!

Looks like there's some awfully good stuff in there! Man, I would love to get a taste of everything he has!

Umm, sorry but you can't do that. These vegetables are important, as they are raised specifically for today -

Shut your mouth! Hand it over already!

Hyeeeeeeh!?

2 options (Same Response)
Volos, you're in danger!	They're asking for an App Battle!

[Player]! Thank you for saving me again.

Tch! I'm only after those damn vegetables!!

3 options (Same Response)
Dammit, the basket...!	You're not good enough!	Volos! !

Dont! Please don't destroy my vegetables!!

Lend me your strength, my beloved vegetables! Baroda Volsatiya!!

What the!? The pumpkin ivy just stretched out all the sudden!! Gwaaaaaaah!!

I-I can't move!! Gyaaaaaaaaaa!!

2 options
Volos, you alright?	Yikes, that's pretty merciless...
Yes, I'm alright. Thank ya for asking, [Player]!	Ahaha... I devoted myself in doing that...

Goddamn! What the hell kind of vegetables are these?! ... Hrm? ...Hrm!?

B-Big Bro!? Are you alright man...!? How is the eggplant making you rub your cheeks like that...?

U-Umm... How are my vegetables?

The color, the sheen, the curves...!! Such beautiful vegetables I have ever seen~!

I would love to have these veggies in my food... Oi, you there!!

Ughyaaaa!? W-What is it?

I CHALLENGE YOU TO A COOKING BATTLE!!

2 options (Same Response)
...... What?	A cooking battle?

I said, a cooking battle! It's the endless struggle of a Chef's spirit...

To put it bluntly, it's a cooking contest!

A-A cooking contest you say...? I understand what that is, but there's no chance of me winning, since I'm no chef...

Oi! If you have these fine vegetables on you, there's no way you're not a chef!

Here's the catch: If you lose the cooking contest, I'll be taking those veggies for myself!

I'm happy to be praised for my vegetables, but I'd rather cultivate than cook...

Quit your bitching or I'll string you up like a fish!

Uwaaaaaah!?

2 options (Same Response)
(I'll cover for you, Volos.)	(Silently point your sword)

T-Thanks. You're a life saver.

But, it seems like this bunch ain't gonna be giving up on us. What should we do, [Player]?

3 options (Same Response)
When it happens, it happens.	Seems like you really need to beat them in culinary arts.	Time for a cooking battle! !

Eeeh!? As I said earlier, I am no cook...

2 options (Same Response)
But, you're practically cooking them.	You may find the truth about the uneasy feeling.

Oh!? I'm sure that's a possibility...!

3 options (Same Response)
What's most important -	They're your vegetables -	You can't lose!

[Player]...! Thank you for believing so much in my vegetables...

Okay, I'll do it. The cooking contest that is. I feel like I may discover something new from this.

Most importantly, I'm trusting ya with my vegetables, [Player]!

[Transitioning...]

---

Location: Kamijuku Academy

Hoh! You didn't even chicken out of this, I'll admire you for that!

That's so boss-like, practically forcing them into doing this. That's so like you, Big Bro!

Huh, [Player]? Why are you... W-Wait, it's those guys!!

Rumor has it that these people "cause havoc to the culinary clubs" ...! Their destiny is to defeat their opponents in a cooking battle!

Call off the battle, [Player]! Get these people out of here!

2 options (Same Response)
Chouji, they're chefs here.	Trust me on this, Chouji!

Chouji, right? My name is Volos. Can ya leave this place to us? I'll explain the whole thing later.

Those eyes... I get it. You guys are warriors of the kitchen, itching for a cooking battle...!

Got it! Those 2 can use the kitchen however they like. I'll be an observer for this cooking battle in the meantime!

Thanks, Chouji. I'll do whatever I can!

2 options
When it comes to cooking, I'll leave it to you!	Leave the disconnection to me!
Mhm! You can count on me! Let's work our hardest, [Player]!	Huuh!? You're thinking of cooking with that procedure!? D-Don't worry 'bout that, we'll be working our hardest together!

We're not exactly cooks. For starters, I wasn't plannin' on making fancy dishes.

I want ya to be happy eating my delicious and precious vegetables. For that bunch, and you, more than anyone else.

Ya should keep that in mind for now. Let's get to work, [Player]!

[Battle Start]

---

Contest's... over!

Y-You're kidding me... My "Dreamy Pork with Ginger Sauce, garnished with emerald" is...

How did my specialty dish...! How did it lose to a generic vegetable soup...!?

2 options
What an intense cooking battle...	Volos! High-five!
We won...	Y-Yeah! Let's see, like... this?

B-But! The cooking technique and presentation are not polished! My vegetables, as is, is a dish simply made into soup...

3 options (Same Response)
It may be simple, but -	It's tender and warm-hearted.	It's a dish that's like you, Volos.

Eh!?

It... suits me, huh? Hmmhmm, that makes me so happy...

Thank you, [Player]. It was nice hearin' those words again.

1 option
Again?

It's a long, long time ago. A friend from my hometown, Kitezh, said those words to me.

...... It's strange. When I look at you, you remind me of my friend from so long ago.

Ack! Sorry! I was supposed to be talkin' about food!

What do ya think, Chouji? Did ya feel any uneasy feeling from this dish?

Did I experience anything? The rich flavor and aroma of the vegetables, of course. You may say it's plain, but I say it's perfection.

I would love to eat the delicious vegetables. It was a wonderful dish that really brings out the vegetables!

3 options (Same Response)
It was different for Ebisu.	If the vegetables are used another way -	Would the bad feeling go away?

Yup, you're right. The difference when Ebisu made it was the ingredients, seasoning...

Oh! That could be the answer!

2 options (Same Response)
Volos?	What's up?

Thank you, [Player]! I figured out the cause of the discomfort!

The flavor of the vegetables was too strong!

2 options (Same Response)
Oh!	What do you mean by that?

The new children, the flavor and aroma were extremely stronger than conventional species. The vegetables stand out when used in cooking.

He experienced an uneasy feeling because the unity of the food collapsed slightly from food balancing with things other than vegetables.

My soup, in contrast, had little seasoning with my vegetables. That's what I only used.

Because I didn't use any other ingredient, the discomfort went away. That should be the solution!

2 options
I see...	Wouldn't it be successful if it's just veggies?
	That may be so, in some sense. However, if there be only vegetables, there be little food in the dish, no?

All my ingredients were in harmony, so my first dish is considered a success. I only cared about the flavor of the vegetables, and I forgot the more important things.

I don't want to care only about the vegetables, I want to see people enjoy them. It seems I have narrowed my outlook on the matter again.

I must report that I figured out the problem to Benten and Ebisu later today.

Oh, that's right! Thank you bunch so much!

Say what?

It's about the cooking battle. Thanks to the results of this, I have now realized the truth behind the uneasy feeling.

I shouldn't force you to come, but would you like to collaborate in an experiment next time?

You're asking us who are at fault!? Wow, you're an awfully nice dude...

Big Brooo! This is so exciting~!

Wait. Sorry to ruin your excitement, but you two there!

.......!!

The reason you lost was not because of cooking ability, it was your readiness as chefs.

Huuuh!? What is my -

Cooking is about thinking about who you're cooking for. You lost because of that important part.

Bwuh!? Maybe it's because of that soup...

Big Brooo... I know It's frustrating, but if you eat that soup, it'll warm up your heart...

[Player], I'll handle these two for a while.

2 options (Same Response)
D-Do it in moderation...	That's impressive, Chouji...!

Don't worry about it! If I can teach a 1000 people at the cafeteria, I'm sure I can bring out their awareness as chefs!

Volos-san, feel free to come back as many times as you like. I would also like to thank you for the delicious soup!

Yup, thank you, Chouji. When I do my next food sampling, I'll be sure to drop in.

Sure! I look forward to it, Volos-san!

Well, shall we start? First up is the training!

Ugh...

Big Brooo...

[Outisde the school]

---

2 options (Same Response)
How should I say this?	It was a rich day today.

Ahaha... Today was an amazying day, yup. Thank you for stickin' with me till the end, [Player].

2 options (Same Response)
I'd like to thank you as well.	I had fun all day today!

[Player]! That's good to hear! I had a lot of fun today too!

The vegetables today had a strong flavor that brought discomfort. Conversely speaking, I believe that is a strong point of these kids.

I think I achieved more than enough data for the analysis. But, I feel it's still not enough.

Say, [Player]. I am going to study the unity of vegetables with other ingredients.

I want more people to eat and enjoy my vegetables. I want to raise vegetables that will make them smile, and say it's delicious.

3 options
I'll keep supporting you.	You can do it, Volos!	That might prove difficult...
Thank ya. It's because of the food I made with ya!		I'm aware of that, of course! I'm still going to do it, no matter the cost!

It was thanks to ya that I realized it. If I hadn't looked at things from a bigger picture and seen more than my vegetables alone, I would always be looking downwards.

Cooking together and having people eating the food. Thanks to that alone, my world has steadily expanded.

2 options
You realized something about yourself.	You pushed your back into it a little.
It was you that gave me the opportunity.	Thank ya. It was you that gave me the opportunity.

Hey... [Player]. I have a favor to ask...

Would ya... be willin' to go out with me again... sometime?

2 options
Of course!	It'll be a proper date next time!
Really!? That's great! I'm so happy, [Player]!	Eeeeeh!? Ah, well, o-of course! If that's what you want... Uwaaaah!

I'm glad... to have met ya. Thanks to ya, I've been steadily expandin' my outlook on things.

I always looked down, seeing only the vegetables, but... When I'm with you, I can look ahead and see the world.

That's why I... Ah... Let's see... With me... With me...

I want to go and see various things in the world, with ya! Please experience these things for the first time with me!

Am I... pestering you?

2 options
(Hold his hand)	(Hug him)
Thanks! I love you, [Player]!	You're so warm, I think that's a new discovery. ...... I love you, [Player].

It was the one and only first ever vegetable I made by plowing the land.

I think I can't say that the flavor nor presentation was good. That figure became blurry within my memories of long, long ago.

Nevertheless, I still remember. Ruling a chilly death, and my old friend.

Saying that the ill-formed vegetables were delicious and made them smile, made me smile too.

My friend, who was friendlier than anyone else and protected me, was banished from my hometown, Kitezh, and thus I was alone again.

Someday, I hope my feelings of gratitude reach my faraway friend. I was always looking at the earth, and the gentle darkness below it.

But, this time -

This time, I will cultivate, to see the world together with ya, right before my very eyes.

2 options (Same Response)
Huh?	What are you talking about, Volos?

Nothin' at all! Let's get going, [Player]!

Character Quest: Volos - Episode 1 END