Unspoken Evil

Unspoken Evil is a limited time Odyssey Event, and the thirty third in the series. It was scheduled to start on March 17, 2015 at 8:00 PM (PST) and end on March 19, 2015 at 7:59 PM (PST).

Fifth Episode of the Mother Ark Story.

Feature Changes

 * New Event UR Swordspirit Laraiya is available before the start of the Event in the Ascension Saga Cars Pack.

Odyssey Skill Cards

 * Raksha, Forsaking Justice (UR) Test of Strength Card. Gives 2x the Items regardless of Skill level. Gives 3x the Items when evolved with maxed out Skill.
 * Swordspirit Laraiya (UR) Boosts the number of Event Items acquired by up to 1.2x regardless of Skill Level.
 * (Halcyon) Swordspirit Laraiya (UR) 1.3x boost.
 * (Delighted) Swordspirit Laraiya (UR) 1.4x boost.
 * (Forboding) Swordspirit Laraiya (UR) 1.5x boost.
 * (Cloudy) Swordspirit Laraiya (UR) 1.6x boost.
 * (Hollow) Swordspirit Laraiya (UR) 1.7x boost.
 * (Bloodscent) Swordspirit Laraiya (UR) 1.8x boost.
 * (Motivated) Swordspirit Laraiya (UR) 1.9x boost.
 * (Inspired) Swordspirit Laraiya (UR) 2.0x boost.
 * (Eidolon) Swordmaster Laraiya (UR EX) 4.0x boost.

Story


Though the wounds from your second confrontation with Warren had healed, the torment of defeat festered within your soul. The only salve was how much longer you had held out against him. As daunting as the accompanying realization of the massive disparity in strength was, you felt more confident in surpassing him should you meet again. To hone yourself and your techniques, you made a habit of visiting the training area in Engset's castle. Before one such session, you happened upon one of her attendants, Elimval.

"Greetings! Off for another round of sparring? Milady speaks highly of you; she told me she has rarely seen one with your zeal."

Unlike the nobility of Engset or the grace of Silmaria, Elimval possessed a charm that soothed the soul. A simple conversation with her had a notably calming effect.

"Oh, and please keep in mind that dinner will be served in an hour. I'm preparing a special meal for tonight!"

After expressing your anticipation, she returned to her task of carrying the soldiers' uniforms to the washing room, humming cheerfully.

Continuing down the hall, you then had a sudden encounter with Silmaria, who was bent in a strange stance and wearing an unpleasant scowl. Her behavior had altered since you had returned from Chalon's castle. Your reactions to her also grew unnatural as you were incredibly confounded by her apparent obsession with you.

"Um... Hero? Have your wounds healed?"

Silmaria quietly posed her prepared question, and, immediately after you nodded in confirmation, she bowed dramatically.

"I am so terribly sorry!"

You were flustered as it was unclear for what purpose the apology served. Perhaps it was for her strange conversation before you had departed, yet you never expected her to offer one.

"I said I would protect you, yet I could not keep my promise..."

Standing in stunned silence at her revelation of guilt, you could not interject in the least.

"But never again will I fail you!" she declared, clenching her fist.

Though beyond confused, you managed to utter your thanks, to which Silmaria heaved a great sigh. Then, regaining her dignified manner, she offered to aid in your training. Gallegos was your normal sparring partner, as Engset was often occupied with other matters, so you were indeed grateful for her proposal. There was no doubting the dwarf's strength, yet his faintheartedness meant that even in mock battles he would never take the offensive. The two of you together made for the training area, where you spent the remaining hour until dinner chasing around the portly coward.

...

You were seated at a lengthy dining table lined with all manner of haute cuisine. No matter how many times you dined at Engset's, you were unable to accustom yourself to her refined palate, much less wield silverware. In your travels, it was rare for you to consume anything that required more preparation than spit-roasting.

"I must share with you that I have learned where they are keeping the abductees from your planet in my investigation."

Briefly after everyone had begun partaking of the food, Engset spoke up as if remembering a minor detail. Upon hearing her report, Yvette shot up with elation.

"Really!? Thank Nemus! Looks like we finally found our break!" she rejoiced, turning to you.

You gave the fairy as smile, for the hopes of fulfilling your main objective renewed your spirit as well.

"Though there are a great number of matters at hand, I feel it is best for you to focus on whatsoever you feel holds the greatest significance. So... Gallegos, may I ask you to behave in a civilized manner?"

The dwarf, who had been engorging himself with loud smacks and slurps, took heed of Engset's admonishment.

"P-pardon me..." he coughed sheepishly.

"Actually, I think food is most delicious when enjoyed as one likes! Being overly careful of manners distracts from the flavor!"

Elimval, who was standing by Engset's side, spoke up in defense of Gallegos. And to everyone's surprise, her explanation seemed to satisfy the duchess who bowed slightly.

"You are quite right, Elimval. Please forgive my arrogance, Gallegos."

"N-no harm done."

Perhaps startled by the apology, Gallegos returned a wary bow. Oddly, it seemed that the dignified and stringent Engset was readily apt to regard her cheerful attendant's words.

"If I may continue, those stolen away from the various planets in our journeys are taken to a laboratory of utmost confidentiality. Its very existence was unknown to myself until recently, and as such, I am uncertain of what transpires there. If I may trouble you, I would be most appreciative if you could investigate the facility and its sinister purpose in concurrence with the rescue of your kind."

I don t see why not, but can t you tell us just a little bit more about it? Like what they're working on or something?"

"They are focused on the research of spirica, its applications, and emergency methods of counteracting a shortage. We have only grasped broad directives, yet the fine details are obscure."

As she spoke, Engset elegantly handled her cutlery, bringing the perfectly prepared meat to her mouth without so much as the knife scraping the plate. Taking notice of her chewing, you timed your questions to best accommodate her response.

"You wish to know if there is a connection between spirica and the composites?" She gently set down her fork and primly wiped her lips with a napkin.

"Unfortunately, I am uninformed on the matter. The composites themselves are a relatively new creation of a scientist by the name of Almvist.

"Haven't heard of that one yet."

"He has gained much favor from the Empress in his research of spirica. Though he is an unsettling man, his prowess and achievements are undeniable, or so I have gathered."

Yvette had imitated Engset in placing her specially prepared utensils on the table. You followed suit, feeling that it would only divert you from the conversation.

"He discovered that those with high concentrations of spirica corresponded with the use of a technique akin to telepathy, and created devices based on that concept. However, it appeared to cause great strain upon the receiver. Additionally, as many of those same subjects also experienced discomfort when hearing the voices of the composites, it is believed that the composites use this method of communication as well.

"I didn't get a blasted word..."

Having embraced his slovenly habits once again, Gallegos interjected with his thoughts. However, it reminded you that he was the only one unaffected by the utterances of the composites. In contrast, Silmaria likely held a considerable quantity of spirica if a few words could endanger her consciousness.

"Um... Hero?"

Silmaria was normally timid in groups, so you were surprised when she suddenly called for your attention.

"I was hoping to join your quest to the laboratory."

Her request was equally perplexing, yet you could not find a reason to deny it. Indeed, you imagined you would have asked her had she not volunteered, for she could provide support in battle.

"May I inquire as to why?" Silmaria was oblivious to Engset's question, her gaze fixed upon you.

"Are you really sure? I bet the place will be crawling with composites."

Yvette was similarly ignored.

"S-Silmaria? Does your tummy hurt?"

Gallegos could not elicit a response from the elf either. She sat motionless, waiting for your approval. Unable to overlook her obstinance, you gave your consent.

"Guess I'm going, too...?"

"You will only encumber their progress. While they are out, I will see that you are sufficiently trained for future battles."

The crestfallen dwarf looked down at his plate. Though Engset's words were harsh, they were nonetheless accurate. Gallegos had not contributed to your efforts in the least. Should he continue to expose himself to danger without necessary preparation, either he or one of your party could face endangerment.

"However, in his absence, I will lend you my closest retainer. She may not be of much assistance, but I will instruct her to obey your commands."

"And who would that be?" said the skeptical Yvette.

Engset again took up her fork and pierced a portion of beef as she nonchalantly gave the order.

"Elimval, you shall accompany them."

"Yes, Milady!"

Elimval replied to the abrupt proclamation on reflex. However, it appeared that the full weight of the responsibility she had accepted did not register until a few moments later, causing her eyes to widen.

"Whaaaat?! You truly meant me?"

"You are the only servant I have by that name to the best of my knowledge..."

"That's not what I meant!"

She swiped the fork by Engset's plate and glared at her mistress in defiance.

"...So what can you do?"

Yvette looked over Elimval with a dubious expression, in the same manner a future mother-in-law appraised her daughter's beau.

"Well, I'm good at housekeeping, and I'm handy with a needle..."

"C'mon, how is she supposed to be of any help to us, Engset?!"

Yvette's outburst left the duchess disconcerted. Perhaps she was not used to such derision, as she seemed to be at a loss for words. She bit into her lip, face reddening, until...

"My Elimval possesses a unique power, one that has aided me on countless occasions."

"And what would that be?"

"She is able to lift the spirits of others."

Engset's level tone was met with open-mouthed consternation from Yvette. She gracefully lifted her teacup and looked over her company, indicating that she had not spoken in jest.

"I daresay that is what you require most at the moment," she stated in a matronly voice.

...

"I won't make even a snack for you ever again, Yvette."

Even after infiltrating the laboratory, Elimval had not recovered from the fairy's remark at the castle.

Between the metallic clangs of machinery, a nauseating squelch like that of fresh meat being pulverized could be heard. This left both you and Silmaria uncomfortable as you carefully surveyed the area. However, the other two were considerably more relaxed.

"Yeah, yeah. Let's talk it out later."

"No! There's no room for discussion!"

You were surrounded by steel and the odor of chemicals. Peering about, you saw machines flashing with ominous lights and workers garbed in the same flexible resin outfits bustling about. In the center was one dressed in white, absorbed in combining a number of sinister tinctures in phials.

"Are you well, Silmaria?"

Noting the elf's worried face, Elimval took a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat from her brow.

"Thank you. ...Can everyone hear the voices? The sad, mournful cries?"

"You mean the composites'? I've noticed this weird buzzing in my ears for a while now..."

"Maybe...? I'm sorry, but I can't hear them."

Straining to hear the voices Silmaria described, you recognized them as the ones you had detected soon after entering the facility: A voice begging for help that seemed to speak directly to your mind, with the same unnerving echo...

"I believe there must be quite a few composites within."

"Don't push yourself too hard, Silmaria. Okay?"

Silmaria weakly nodded in reply to Yvette's concern. It seemed that the composites were created in this laboratory, yet you felt a mysterious premonition of something even more ghastly lurking behind the shadows.

"Let us begin, and please do not worry for me. You must save those important to you, yes?"

Walking across the floor as normal created shrill noises. If you did not exercise caution, you would undoubtedly draw undue attention. Moving stealthily, your progress was indicated by the faint voice becoming gradually clearer.

"Help me. Help me," it pleaded.

As the chills ran down your back, you turned to see Silmaria already wracked by mental pain. Attentive to both her condition and those of your vicinity, you continued through the cold steel corridors.