Uryudo: How can we sleep in the slums of a notorious village at all' 
Medion: ....... 
Campbell: There are thieves and shammers all throughout downtown Destonia. They are just waiting to take you're equipment Prince Medion 
Grantack: Campbell, Would you ever take Prince Medion into a uncertain situation' 
Syntesis: Why should we have to suffer the unpleasantness of being here' We should leave early. 
Grantack: Syntesis, we would all like to head towards the mountain pass, but first we must gather clues here. We must chase after Synbios! 
Uryudo: We need to know the movements of the Bulzome masked monks. Who is going to collect the clues in the village' 
Grantack: If we examine the relationship of Dusty Village with that of the masked monks and the Crewart Army, we will probably find information we did not know. 
Medion: ....... 
~ Around the village ~ 
Grandpa: Do you not think this village is lively' When boss Shiraf settles a matter with a party of great power, we will be the village of the *washi* favor. 
Man 1: The Imperial forces seem to be full of powerful soldiers. We have a pretty good bandit group ourselves here, but I'm more afraid of the Imperials! 
Man 2: I came all this way to be a follower of Shiraf. I wonder why I can't be a follower' 
Man 3: The large house at the back of the village belongs to Shiraf. From there, he rules over us all. That's the place to be if you want real power around here! 
Man 4: The boss always wears boots. I prefer to wear sandals in heat like this...but they get dirty pretty quickly! 
Sailor 1: Thanks to Shiraf, Dusty Village has a bad reputation...the inhabitants do as well...but you can depend on me! 
Sailor 2: The boss is the head thief around here, but it's fairly simple to become a follower. I'm starting by tidying up discarded footwear. 
Old Woman: Dusty Village is full of desparados, and the neighbouring towns are all afraid of us. I think we're pretty misunderstood, they'd be much better off joining up with us instead. 
Woman 1: Are you an Imperial Prince' 
~If YES ~
Woman 1: It's very dangerous here for an Imperial Prince...I wouldn't decide to stay long, if I were you. I'd definitely recommend that you leave as soon as possible. 
~ If NO ~ 
Woman 1: Wandering around here looking the way you do isn't a good idea...a lot of people could think you were someone important. If it were me, I'd already be running away. 
Woman 2: For those that wish to become an official follower of Shiraf, they have to display their loyalty with various tasks. Working in his house, they must obey his orders, always keep it clean, collect any discarded footwear, and so on. 
~Church~
Man 1: I can't believe in his so-called god, but I admit that the priest's preaching is pretty amusing. 
Man 2: I just love listening to this priest! His sermons...they're so funny! 
Priest: I was assigned to Dusty Village, following an unexpected decision on the matter...they had a hunch that there would be people even here that would want to come and pray. After working here, I think that's not going to happen...I've had a pretty chilly reception so far. 
~House beside HQ~
Boy 1: My dad's a great engineer, and I've been asking him to help me make a castle. Destonia better watch out! 
Man: I don't want to tell my son, but I admit I could have been boasting a bit about my abilities. I may be an engineering specialist, but I really don't think I can handle such a project. My son's a little unexperienced about such things... 
Boy 2: Well...when it comes to my dad and my brother...I'm really fond of both of them. But I think success is far more likely to come from reading books and studying...I don't think my father will end up working in the bigger cities. 
Woman: I know that the kids may want to take after their father, but it's really tough work on the body being an engineer. I'd rather they spent their childhood having fun and playing games. 
(Bookshelf): Attack and crush all obstacles in your way! In the heat of battle, all barriers must be broken and destroyed with all the power at your command. Let nothing stand in your way, smash everything in sight! 
~House beside Item Shop~
Woman: My husband is home early...usually, to get him back here so quickly, I have to go out and find him myself. 
Man: I was drinking in the bar, when a high-ranking gang member came in and ordered drinks for everyone. Sadly, the bar got so totally out of hand that I decided it wasn't worth it. I'm disappointed that I wasn't able to get some of that free alcohol, though. 
(Bookcase): Chicken is a food with an excellent flavour. Some people are worried about how to prepare it. The best thing to do is to cook it until lightly browned. 
~Item Shop`
(Bookcase): Make sure you expel shoplifters by any means necessary. 
Whenever a customer is in the store, and takes their time examining your stock, pay close attention to them. Customers in Dusty Village could well be robbers, so be ready if they act in a suspicious way. 
~Weapon Shop~ 
(Bookcase): A Weapon Shop must always be kept in good order! Make sure your weapons aren't stored in damp conditions, or customers could be horrified at their poor state. 
Storekeeper: My shop sells high-quality items, but the bad thing is...things just keep going missing from the store. Tomorrow, I bet I'll get robbed again! 
~House beside Man~ 
Old Man: Shiraf has managed to seize a lot of power for himself. By taking advantage of opportunies, he's always been able to increase his standing, I think. 
Old Woman: My husband was never a thief, he used to be involved in public services before. His work meant that he often had to put up with a lot of public attention. He used to work with Shiraf in an important department in the Empire, as an assistant. Since then, he retired to this place and is happy letting the world pass him by...pretty much, anyway. 
(Bookcase): High-class weapons are expensive, but may have special uses. The best and most precious of weapons may contain special charactistics. Simply try using a weapon, and see if it possesses such an ability. 
~House beside Old Woman~ 
Old Woman: My son works in Shiraf's household. It's a good solid job, even if the management is a little tough. Best of all, a successful career in such a place is a good way to make sure we don't have to worry about the future, and will provide us with what we want. 
Woman: Shiraf's household is made up of rogues...the poverty here can lead to people taking whatever they can get their hands on, but the kitchen staff has a strange moral code all to themselves! 
Girl: My father is at work at the moment, but he should be coming back home soon...I hope he brings me a present as usual, I always look forward to that. 
(Bookcase): "You can't understand what's written in these books." 
~Bar~ 
Waitress 1: I'll be here all night...If you like what you see, maybe we can have some fun later on... 
Man in Bar 1: We're all part of Shiraf's household. We thought we'd come here to try to pick up some hot dates! 
Waitress 2: Aah! These customers are driving me crazy...all these guys keep trying to chat me up. Some have even waved money at me to get me to dance! I think they've all had a little too much to drink. 
Man in Bar 2: I managed to secure a big deal today. I came here to celebrate, and to take a look around for some good-looking girls! 
Waitress 3: Hey there! If you're looking for a partner tonight, why don't you buy me a drink...' I'd be happy to be your date tonight... 
Man in Bar 3: I wonder why I'm getting so little attention in the bar today' Hmm, I guess I should've remembered to have a bath first. 
Bartender: I've always been a big fan of the great and honourable Imperial army. Would you like to spend a night in this wonderful inn' Well, I'm sure you're fond of the ladies, right' 
Maybe you'd like to place an order and visit the upper floor. And if you're tired from work, we have beds available for sleeping, too. 
~Bar - 1st Floor~ 
Man on Bed 1: Bah...I don't care if I'm late for work, just let me sleep... 
Man on Bed 2: Hmph...huh...why'd you wake me before it's dark...' What's the point of being awake during the day...lemme sleep...zzz... 
Man on Bed 3: zzzzzz...jewels...treasure...zzz...discovered...hmph....zzzz.... 
~Shiraf's Mansion~ 
Maid 1: Miss Danni and the master's wife have a very close friendship. Now that Miss Danni has had a little to drink, I hope there won't be any trouble...you don't think I'll need to clean up after her, do you' 
Man 1: The boss isn't here at the moment. I'm part of his personal household bodyguard, it's a great way to make some money! 
Maid 2: High Priestess Basanada has been getting Miss Danni to try some alcohol, it's been pretty funny. I'm sure the master's wife would be in better spirits if she had a little to drink as well. 
Man 2: To help out my elder sister, I bring back things from the house like old clothes...and sometimes unused food and provisions...it's a little perk of the job...if someone finally notices the losses, I'll just blame it on all the heavy drinking and gluttony around here. 
(Bookcase): Learn the correct way to rob a train with this easy method! Use flying troops to carry your foot soldiers, and attack from the front and back of the train at the same time. Syncronise your attack right, and your opponents will be demoralised and unable to fight effectively, leaving you to plunder the train! 
~Shiraf's Mansion - 1st Floor~ 
Girl (Danni): Papa has spent a lot of time recently talking to Basanda from the Bulzome Cult. She always wears such fantastic clothes...I hope one day that I can look and act as respectable and proper as she does. 
Birdman: High Priestess Basanda is certainly beautiful, and I've heard that she's rich as well...she was about to enjoy a meal with the boss. Looks like something came up and ruined that idea. The boss got someone to paint that picture of her to make her feel at home here, but...everytime I look at it, it makes me feel like I'm going to be struck down by her wrath or something. 
Woman: My daughter has been drinking some alcohol. It's that kind of thing that gives me grey hairs. And I have to admit...even though I'm Shiraf's wife, I'm a little nervous that he might be considering that priestess woman instead...! 
~Shiraf's House~ 
Voice: Basanda! Basanda!! 
~ two masked monks teleport in front of Shiraf's house ~ 
Basanda: ....... 
~ Basanda appears at a first floor window ~ 
Masked Monk: High Priestess Basanda...I hope you'll excuse the interruption...but we have located General Spiriel! 
Basanda: She and her army' What are they doing now' 
Masked Monk: They are on their own...acting independantly. 
Basanda: Ha ha...time for me to approach the general. I'll be right down. 
~ the window closes, Basanda appears at the ground floor door, and walks towards the monks ~ 
Voice: Going somewhere, Basanda' 
~ Shiraf appears at the door ~ 
Basanda: I have a little errand to take care of. I hope you won't mind this impoliteness, Shiraf. 
Shiraf: I won't try to stop you then. However, do drop by and have fun again sometime. 
Basanda: Ho ho ho. After our plan succeeds, I will. 
Shiraf: Please send my greetings to Prince Arrawnt and General Crewart. 
~ Basanda and monks teleport away ~ 
~ Shiraf kicks a barrel in anger! ~ 
Shiraf: (shouting at Thief #1)
What are YOU looking at?! 
`shouts at Thief #2`
Get back to what you were doing! 
~ Shiraf stomps back into his house ~ 
~Headquarters~ 
Grantack: The head of Dusty Village is a man called Shiraf. I've heard enough about him to know we must not be unprepared. Be careful, Prince Medion! 
Campbell: I think we need to get busy, and gather more information. 
Syntesis: Dusty Village is full of outlaws...I've never lived in somewhere like this. It must be pretty scary to live here, I guess. 
Uryudo: Like Syntesis, I was brought up in Suramo. Dusty Village is very different to that place...I can't help but notice all the thieves wandering around. We'd better be prepared, I have a bad feeling about this... 
Rock: Waltz nearly died...thanks to the antidote you provided, her vitality has now returned. It was really rough for a while there. 
Waltz: Spiriel and her troops are fighting with Republic forces near this area, right' We'd better keep alert in case any stragglers end up here! 
~Dusty Village~ 
~ Medion and co are up on the bar roof ~ 
Voice: We've got trouble! Big trouble! 
~ A birdman appears and lands by Shiraf's house ~ 
Birdman: Are you there, Boss' 
~ the front door opens and Shiraf appears ~ 
Shiraf: Let me through! 
~ thieves move aside for him ~ 
Shiraf: What is it' 
Birdman: Boss...we were scouting around when we noticed an Imperial group moving into Railhead. So, we decided to follow them, and had a look inside the cargo area there... 
Shiraf: (angry) You stupid idiot! Railhead is Garvin's territory! 
~ Shiraf shakes his head ~ 
Shiraf: It's very important to Garvin, and we've agreed to leave it alone in exchange for protection money. What do you think he'll do if we start raiding it?! 
~ birdman and thieves cower! ~ 
Birdman: Well...um...I didn't...think... 
~ Shiraf nods ~ 
Shiraf: Hmph. Looks like I'll have to take care of that myself. Well, what's this 'big trouble' you were yelling about' 
Birdman: In the cargo hold at Railhead, we saw Synbios and his army! 
Medion: .......! 
Shiraf: WHAT?! In the cargo hold area...!' 
~ Shiraf shakes head ~ 
~ Birdman backs away nervously ~ 
Birdman: No mistake, Boss...and Benetram was with them! 
Shiraf: If this is true...hmm, but what were they doing there' 
Birdman: With the Imperial Border Guards in the town, they were probably worried about running into them. 
~ Shiraf nods ~ 
Shiraf: High Priestess Basanda said they might try to return to their homeland on the train... 
Thief #2: With the Border Guards turning up, do you reckon they were trying to hide amongst the cargo to get onto the train, Boss' 
~ Shiraf nods ~ 
Thief #2: I know everyone would be itching for a good fight! 
Shiraf: Want to go wipe out Synbios' Force, lads' 
Birdman: We're gonna go back and kill them...' 
Shiraf: (shouting) Of course we are, idiot! 
~ Shiraf nods ~ 
Shiraf: Where are they now' 
Birdman: I hung around and saw them leaving the town...they were heading off towards the railway switching point. 
Shiraf: They must be heading for the train...we can get everyone together there! 
~ 4 more Birdmen land ~ 
~ Shiraf nods ~ 
Shiraf: Our target is Synbios' army, and King Benetram himself! Round up all of the bandits you can find around the area...since the Imperials have failed to stop them, we'll have a chance to take them out ourselves! 
~ Shiraf nods ~ 
Shiraf: Time to get moving... 
Birdman: We can help get you there, Boss! 
~ Shiraf nods ~ 
Shiraf: Alright, you birdmen can carry the rest of us. 
~ Shiraf walks down, looks around ~ 
~ 2 Birdmen fly off...remaining 3 hold on to Shiraf and the thieves ~ 
Shiraf: Let's go! 
~ All fly off ~ 
Grantack: Did you hear that, Prince Medion...Synbios and his troops were at Railhead. And now, they're heading for the railway's switching point. 
~ Medion nods ~ 
Campbell: Can we catch up with Shiraf and his men, along the western road' 
Medion: (shakes head) ...... 
Grantack: No, they have too much of a head start over us...however...yesterday, General Spiriel took a path through the mountains. We must use the same route, that could get us to the switching point in time. 
~Back on the roof of Dusty Village tavern~ 
Bernard: Prince Medion! 
Campbell: Hey...you look familiar...I think I remember seeing you under General Garzel's command. Weren't you part of his group, fighting the Republican forces' 
Bernard: I can't believe I've run into Medion's army...oh, yes, I was. But...I decided to leave General Garzel's force. 
Grantack: Why did you do that' 
Bernard: I saw some mysterious masked figures entering the town of Balsamo, and I decided to investigate. I found out that the Bulzome Sect had hired out an inn in the town...I recognised King Benetram and saw him enter the building, with the abducted Emperor. So I followed after them. 
Medion: ....... 
Bernard: And then...I was captured... 
Campbell: I take it you managed to get away! 
Bernard: I was rescued... 
Medion: ....... 
Bernard: I got lucky. I was rescued by Synbios of the Republic. At the time, I thought he was part of the kidnappers. I threw some powerful words at him, I must confess. Then I ran away... 
Medion: ....... 
Grantack: Prince Medion, I feel it's vitally important that we catch up with Lord Synbios. We need to discover the truth about this matter! 
Campbell: So why did you end up here' 
Bernard: I discovered some kind of connection between the Bulzome Sect, Dusty Village, and Shiraf. When I was freed, I decided this place was worth investigating as well. 
Medion: ....... 
Bernard: I wish to re-join the military. I would like to become part of Medion's army, now that my short career as a spy is over. 
~ Bernard joins ~ 
Bernard: Thank you very much, Prince Medion...now, let's get going! 
~Headquarters~ 
Grantack: Synbios' force is heading for the railway switching point...it's urgent that we speak to King Benetram, this may be our last chance to find out what has happened. We must head for the short cut through the mountains immediately! 
Campbell: So Synbios has taken his army to the switching point...I've heard about these Imperial Border Guards. They're fierce, rough troops...if they're currently under the command of Prince Arrawnt, we must be aware of the danger they pose. 
Syntesis: King Benetram and Synbios must have a price on their heads for their capture...I think that reward may be even bigger if they end up dead, right' 
Uryudo: Heading off Shiraf at the switching point is going to lead to one of those big brawls I hate, isn't it' With Synbios' army and the Imperial Border Guards there as well, we could well have to fight on three fronts... 
Waltz: Whilst fighting on Balsamo's plains...to my regret, the poison that afflicted me hampered my actions. When we follow Synbios' force into battle, this time, I will give my all to ensure a victory for the Empire! 
Rock: We could bump into the Imperial Border Guards at the switching point. I've never liked them, they have a reputation for wicked and callous acts. 
Bernard: General Spiriel is being pursued by Basanda...I wonder why' 
