Scene 109

Sheesh, why are you always poppin' up out of nowhere?

Heehee! I'm not doing it on purpose to scare you, I promise.

Uh… Hold up a sec. Who are you?

The name's Argo. Put simply, I'm an information broker.

Ah... I've heard about you. Anyway, I'm Musoh.

This is quite the famous friend you have.

Heh, I suppose that's true. So Argo, to what do we owe the pleasure?

I happen to be searching for someone in that area. And since you're all conveniently here, I figured I'd reach out.

Let's talk somewhere else—this isn't really the spot for it.

So? What's up?

Actually, I happen to be searching for someone in that area. And since you're all conveniently here, I figured I'd reach out.

Who are you looking for?

Lara, a player that's made quite a name for herself. Have you heard of her?

Lara? I swear I've heard that name somewhere before...

Wasn't she the girl singing in the Town of Beginnings?

Mm-hm. That'd be her.

Is she really that popular?

Absolutely. Though I'm sure the lack of competition in Aincrad doesn't hurt.

She's become something of an idol here, and the holo crystal recordings of her street performances are fetching high prices.

Who's Lara to you? Why are you out lookin' for her?

Turns out a few fans of hers went overboard and became full-blown stalkers. I heard she fled the Town of Beginnings to get away from them.

And you think they're planning to hurt her?

Well, it seems she was gettin' some weird messages, but didn't know how serious they were. "Let's die together," "Let me kill you before a monster does," that kind of stuff.

How horrible... That poor girl...

Damn, nothin' like getting stuck in a death game to keep people mentally stable, huh?

It got to the point where Lara thought her life might be at risk. Apparently, she got out of town through a teleport gate or warp terminal.

You're not fulfilling a request from one of those stalkers, are you?

No. The request is from a group of fans who were worried about her. They're too scared to leave town themselves, so they contacted me and told me about the stalkers.

Which is why I came here to you. Her last reported whereabouts were in this area.

Got it... Well, we haven't seen her around here.

So... Lara left town? That sounds like she'll be in danger from stalkers and monsters.

That's why I contacted you guys. I wanted to search efficiently, but I needed people I could trust.

Aw man...

The fans offered a reward if I can get her back safely. Of course, you'd be getting a share of the spoils.

Oh, no, I didn't mean we needed payment to help. It's just, we're in the middle of a quest right now...

A little extra coinage doesn't hurt though, right?

You're not wrong, but...

I'm good with whatever. If it were up to me, though, I certainly wouldn't turn down a damsel in distress.

I think we should help her, too.

Really? Didn't think you'd be willing to sideline our quest, Iori. I'm sure she can find her without us.

Lara's life may depend on our help.

Thank you.

I really think it's important we help her.

I agree... We would regret not doing so should the worst come to pass.

Yeah... Suppose you've got a point there.

Great. So I take it you're on board.

Let's break it down. There's a few spots nearby where she could be: the forest to the southwest, the canyon to the northwest, or the badlands to the west.

Right, got it.

Let's hurry and find her before the situation gets any worse, shall we? Naturally, I'll be joining in the search effort.

Great. Let's split into teams of two to cover more ground.

The Zashinator and I can take the northwest canyon.

Why do I have to pair up with you? ...Ah, whatever—fine.

Cool if we search the western badlands together, Stina?

Er, s-sure, I don't mind...

Then that just leaves the southwestern forest for us to cover.

Sounds like we've got a plan. I'm counting on all of you.