The Princess' Three Beasts

The Princess' Three Beasts is a Raid Event scheduled to start on March 1, 2017 at 7:00 PM (PST) and end on March ?, 2017 at 6:59 PM (PST). It is the twenty third episode of the Dark Stigma story and twelwth in the Malice Canon storyline.

Half-time Reward Calculation Period is from March ? 7:00 PM to 7:59 PM (PST).

Feature Changes
None

Raid Bosses Skill Cards

 * Reverential Liù (UR) Anti-Raid Boss Skill Card, obtained from the Oath of Survival Card Pack
 * ? (UR) Anti-Hidden Raid Boss Skill Card, obtained from the Oath of Survival Card Pack
 * ? (UR) Anti-Secret Raid Boss Skill Card, obtained from the Oath of Survival Card Pack
 * Calaf, Revenge Sworn (UR) Special Evolution Card, Skill against all Raid Bosses of the event, obtained from the Master of Fate Card Pack

Prologue
"What?! Revenge?!"

Taken aback, Elimval inadvertently raised her voice.

"Yes, for the death of my brother. That is the purpose of my journey."

The voice of Princess Calaf was quiet, yet resolved.

You had traveled to a remote, enigmatic region to the east of Contratellus, beyond the empire's domain. Harsh, tree-blanketed wilderness comprised much of the land, meaning villages and towns were few and far between. However, this was unknown even to Salvador, placing a tremendous strain upon your supplies. It was during that dire situation you encountered Princess Calaf, who gladly shared her own provisions. From her moderation and kindness, no one had imagined her reason for coming to this land would be so grim.

"He was murdered by Turandot, the princess of this kingdom."

"Huh, so THIS was her turf..."

Though Salvador was unaware of her domain, it was clear she herself was a notorious figure.

"They say she's one of the world's most eligible bachelorettes, what with her being filthy rich and drop-dead gorgeous, so she's got no end of guys rarin' to get hitched to her. But she's colder than ice and doesn't say a word, earnin' her the nickname of 'Turandot the Silent.'"

"My brother also attempted to court her, but he met the same fate as everyone else who did so: death."

"Unbelievable!"

Elimval shouted in shock once more.

"She demands that any who wish to wed her must retrieve the three legendary Cryptids in a single night. However, if they fail, they lose their life."

The group continued ahead, Calaf leading the way. From how she did not turn her head to talk and her overly indifferent tone, it was plain to you that she was suppressing her anger. Salvador then asked the next question.

"And what are these three Cryptids she wants?"

"That much I do not know. They are mythical creatures indigenous to the area, and that no one has been able to find them in a single night should make it clear how stark raving mad she is!"

Her voice gradually escalated into a shout of frustration. Realizing she had lost control of her emotion, she apologized for her temper and took a deep breath. Her anguish was one you could comprehend, for it was not uncommon. She could not rely on an innate fighter's aptitude, so instead attained her expertise through sheer force of will to accomplish her goal. In recognition of her bravery as well as appreciation for her earlier kindness, you offered your aid. She politely declined at first, but reconsidered after a moment's thought.

"At present, she has sequestered herself in the deepest chamber of her palace. She will only allow an audience with the one who has captured the three Cryptids."

"So we should look for them first before doing anything else, yes?"

"Precisely. And there is someone at our destination who claims to know their whereabouts."

Immediately after Calaf answered Elimval's question, a loop of stout rope materialized beneath the party, hidden by the soil. Before you could react, everyone was bound and suspended from a tree branch.

"Wh-what's going on? Let us goooo!"

As if in response to the panicked Elimval's cries, three figures stepped out from behind the tree.

"See? I told you this trap would work."

"I agree... or I would've if they were the three Cryptids."

"Yeah, even the number caught is off."

They were women dressed in finery that clashed with the uncivilized surroundings.

"Hey, one of you girls mentioned Cryptids, right?"

"Could you tell us what you know about them?"

Salvador had gestured to you and Calaf. They distracted them while you fished a knife from Salvador's pocket and cut the rope. In your other hand, you held Elimval's hand in preparation for the sudden drop. The plan was so successful that the party was already freed before your would-be captors could respond.

"What? Why are they armed?"

"It's just a knife. Even I have one, y'know."

"This isn't the time for that!"

The trio was taken off-guard, easily allowing Salvador to turn the tables and restrain them with their own rope.

"Fine, we will talk! The three of us are ministers serving Princess Turandot! We were trying to capture the three Cryptids intending to stop her..."

What appeared to be the oldest one revealed their intent. Not only were their identities unexpected, but so was their motive.

"His Regency the king has fallen gravely ill and entrusted the entire country, including the army, to the Princess. Though our deeds may seem foolish, we are truly desperate."

"Basically, if we don't snap her out of this, this whole kingdom will collapse... or worse!"

"From what we can tell, Princess Turandot has been possessed by the late Princess Lo-u-Ling, and she can't be up to anything good..."

The ministers recounted the story with tearful eyes. The royal family had not a son, but two daughters: Lo-u-Ling and Turandot. Several years ago, princes from nearby kingdoms colluded to take advantage of this in a bid to take over the country. They started by toying with Lo-u-Ling's heart, causing her much shame and despair until it culminated in her death.

However, the princes' scheme was too effective and a grudge chained her soul yet to this world. She possessed her younger sister's body to carry out her lethal intent against the ones who drove her into ruin. Thus the spate of dead suitors began, continuing well after she had eliminated the princes who had wronged her. Her subjects, such as the ministers, suspected she was planning to use the amassed blood of nobility to carry out a forbidden ceremony, one that would place a fatal curse upon the entire realm.

"Lo-u-Ling has fallen into madness."

"If she succeeds, it'll affect way more than our little corner of the world, that's for sure!"

"The three Cryptids are the only chance we have to save everyone!"

Long ago, the land was protected by mythical beast-like creatures. As living remnants of those legends, the three Cryptids were rumored to have special powers, including dispelling curses. The reason why Lo-u-Ling demanded them was to eliminate any chance of her scheme being foiled. That it gave her a nominal excuse to execute the princes was a convenient auxiliary purpose.

"All right, we get the picture, but did you really think you'd be able to catch those beasties with that trap?"

The incredulous Salvador's question prompted awkward expressions from the women.

"It was simply the one that was most likely to succeed."

"Maybe to YOU; I knew it was bunk from the very start."

"But they're around here somewhere, so I thought it would work if we were patient enough... Very, very patient..."

"Wait, are you certain they are closeby?"

Calaf interrupted their quibble.

"Indubitably. That much is privy to us, being ministers and all."

"But wandering around unprepared out here is suicidal. We wouldn't be anywhere near this place if we could help it."

"Anywhere outside the towns is crawling with bandits and the like lurk amongst the trees. Waiting in one spot was the safest option, we figured."

Apparently, Calaf's contact was the three ministers before you. She quickly untied the rope before addressing them once more.

"If you are truly prepared to rebel against Turandot, then lend us your aid. We are also determined to stop the princesses' plot."

"YOU?"

The ministers exclaimed in unison.

"My name is Calaf. My brother was one who requested your princess' hand in marriage and was killed for his trouble. That is why I have come -- to claim revenge. These three with me are well-known for their strength and have selflessly pledged their aid in my struggle. If you wish to save your country and your princess, I ask you would help us as well."

The ministers, hearing Calaf's emotional words, were moved to tears.

"Princess Turandot is not cruel, but..."

"Just by coming here we have shown treason."

"We'll do everything we can do. *sniff*"

With the ministers' consent, you once more resumed your search for the three Cryptids. Their maps and guidance were a great boon in navigating the perilous wilds, but you well understood it could not help you predict what exactly lay ahead...