Hugo Mercenaries: Deep Shadow

Hadala: ‹your name›! Perfect timing. I was asked to give you something, but it's a bit...

Hadala: Do you know Derk from Safe Haven? Aha, you do. He left without any explanation, only a letter.

Hadala: I don't usually accept such requests, but he seemed so desperate.

Hadala: Here, take it. Give it a read.

Hadala: ...I should pass this letter on to ‹your name›.

Derk: Ah, you've come! I'm glad my letter reached you. I'd seen you with that proud-looking lady and asked her to pass it along.

Derk: I'm sorry for causing you trouble, but you were the only one that came to mind...

Derk: I don't think I need to say much... Could you take a look at this?

Derk: (As Derk shows one arm, his skin is discolored, just like someone afflicted with Karas.)

Derk: You see it too, right? Haha... I just wanted to see your face one more time. I could lose myself at any moment...

Derk: Ha, it feels like a cruel twist of fate. Now that I'm in this state, I understand why Hugo was so desperate.

Derk: Hmm? "Nornir"? Never heard of them. No way! A group that heals Karas using the power of petrification?

Derk: You mean you know Urd, the leader of the Nornir? *sigh* But you shouldn't have to do this for me.

Derk: I'll just accept my fate... *cough* All right, fine. Don't make that face.

Derk: Seems like I'm always asking you to help. So... I'm sorry to ask again, but would you come with me?

Derk: Thank you. I'll see you at the Nornir Assembly.

Urd: ‹your name›, I heard you were looking for me. What's the matter?

Derk: Greetings, my name is Derk. The two of us were in the same mercenary company.

Derk: Apologies for showing up without notice. But I... I'm... would you please take a look at this?

Derk: (As Derk shows one arm, his skin is discolored, just like someone afflicted with Karas.)

Urd: Karas! Judging by the condition, it seems that the mutation has progressed quite a bit.

Urd: You must be in a lot of pain... You've come to me for petrification magic, I presume?

Urd: You did well to do so. But there's something we need to resolve first. To use petrification magic, we need Pure Purifying Light.

Urd: The only place we can obtain that right now is the Purifying Altar. But there's been a problem there recently.

Urd: The Purifying Altar was overwhelmed trying to eliminate the contamination that filled the forest. Now it's contaminated itself.

Urd: If we restore the Purifying Altar, I can cast the petrification magic. ‹your name›, how about it?

Urd: Good, take this purification reagent with you. While you handle the problem, I'll gather the necessary materials and then meet you there.

Derk: Sorry for the trouble...

Urd: A friend of ‹your name› is a friend of mine. You stay here and rest. I know moving isn't easy for you. I'll call for you when everything's ready.

Urd: ‹your name›, it's touching to see how much you care for your friend.

Urd: The Purifying Altar has regained its strength thanks to you, so now we can save many more people suffering from Karas symptoms.

Urd: Oh, on the way, Derk mentioned he has something to say to you.

Urd: He'll be waiting under the central tree at the Assembly. Go and see him.

Urd: ‹your name›, have you arrived? Come over here.

Urd: Has the poison around the altar been cleared?

Urd: Hmm, it's better than before, but... there's still far too much left.

Urd: It seems we need to eliminate the core of the contamination. Since we've stirred them up, they should appear soon...

Urd: There you are. The Poison Blood's aura is gathering!

Urd: Let's deal with them quickly!

They sure are persistent!

Now get out of here!

You don't belong here!

Finally, I can no longer sense any poison.

Urd: You did well. Now, we can gather the Pure Purifying Light.

Urd: The Purifying Light isn't visible to the naked eye. We need to activate the Spirit Brazier first.

Urd: It's not difficult, so let's head to the Spirit Brazier together.

Urd: This way to the Spirit Brazier.

Urd: The brazier can be activated with a Daeva's power.

Urd: How is it? Can you see the Pure Purifying Light?

Urd: Capture this light in the vial. Just hold the vial close, and it will fill on its own.

Urd: For the ones floating in the air, you'll need to fly to reach them. You have wings, so that shouldn't be an issue.

Urd: I'll prepare the petrification magic and have Derk brought over.

Derk: *cough*

Urd: You don't look well. Please wait here for a moment.

Urd: Come to me once you've gathered enough.

Urd: That should be enough. But you'll need a certain level of stamina to endure the petrification magic.

Urd: Derk, how do you feel? Can you bear it? It won't take long.

Derk: *cough* Y-Yes. No problem.

Urd: Then let's begin. ‹your name›, listen carefully and place the Purifying Light into the magic circle when I say.

Urd: Now! Place the Purifying Light into the magic circle!

Urd: Good, the petrification is complete.

Urd: Fortunately, Derk's body seems to have handled it well. But we can't let our guard down.

Urd: Most who were cured of Karas with petrification were discovered early on. But Derk's symptoms are quite advanced.

Urd: It's uncertain how effective the petrification magic will be. We must monitor his recovery closely.

Urd: I'll take Derk to the Assembly. Since I've cast a powerful spell on his body, he needs to rest.

Urd: You've done a great job, ‹your name›. I'll see you at the Assembly later.

Urd: Derk, how are you? Can you walk? Magic can make you dizzy the first time you experience it.

Derk: Yes, I feel much better than before. Thank you for everything.

Derk: Look at this! My body feels lighter already. I'm glad I listened to you. Petrification is truly amazing...

Derk: But you heard what Urd said, right? That it's uncertain if this treatment will be effective.

Derk: After hearing that, I've been thinking deeply about what could happen in the worst-case scenario...

Derk: I'm sorry to always be asking you for favors, but... If the Karas continues to progress and I lose my mind and mutate...

Derk: I'd like you to... put an end to it. Would you do that?

Derk: Haha, of course, I hope it never comes to that. But the moment I become a mutant, "Derk" will already be dead.

Derk: I knew I could count on you. Having you here makes Hugo's absence sting a little less.

Derk: I used to think I had no real attachment to life, but now, all I want is to live.

Derk: Please, take care of your health too.