Scene 116

Are these all fans of yours, Lara? Jeez, you really are popular.

Are you trying to piss me off?

What a huge crowd, just to get one look at you... No wonder you had a stalker problem.

Say, Lara—speaking of stalkers...

Yeah?

Back when we found you, you said, "This time, you'd better actually save me." Were you with someone else before we came along?

I was!

I ran into that cave to get away from those awful stalkers. But I quickly found myself surrounded by impossibly strong enemies. That's when he showed up!

And who was this mystery man?

No clue! All I know is he was way too strong for such a wimpy-looking guy.

And you're so pissed off because...?

He swooped down, killed every last beast... then disappeared without even saying a single word to me. I mean, does he not know who I am?!

Seriously?

He sounds incredibly skilled...

Tch, that pompous purple punk! White-haired weasel!

Wait, purple...? With white hair?

Yes. He was wearing purple and he had white hair.

And.. he was really strong, right...?

Was that player named Cal by any chance?

I didn't even have time to get his name. Seriously, he just went "poof," gone in a flash!

Who's this Cal guy?

One of the strongest players to take part in the beta.

I've heard of him! During the beta, some players got so obsessed with him that they started mimicking that hand gesture he always makes.

Um... What was it again?

Something like this, right?

Ah, that's exactly it!

Hm... You know him, then?

Yes. We're friends—

Oh, right! That means I can try messaging him!

That really isn't necessary.

Hm... No response. And I don't see him on the map anywhere. Could he be in a dungeon? If we had his help, this quest'd be a lot easier.

I don't doubt it. Man, that last dungeon was no joke. And I don't see things getting easier for us any time soon...

If anyone's going to protect me from here on out, they'll need to be at least as strong as he is.

And I'll probably need protection on the 3rd Floor when I head for Dessel. I'm planning on performing there soon.

The 3rd Floor? Huh, I thought the raid party was still working on fighting through the 2nd?

They are. But my tour manager found a guide book with info from the beta. It says that Dessel has a breathtaking concert stage—and I plan to put it to use.

Hang on... Does that mean we're in for an escort mission until we get you to the 3rd Floor?

Hey, you saw what I have to deal with out there. What if another group of weirdos comes after me? Besides, even if you say no, I'll follow you all anyway.

Listen, we're kinda in the middle of a super-important quest... The last thing we need is to babysit you.