Through the Mist - The Village of Dali

Alex and Zidane slowly make their way over to the rest of the group. Somehow, Zidane seems energetic, even though he collapsed just minutes ago. Alex, however, feels spent. After risking his life and surviving a death battle, he can't act like an unbreakable soldier. He thinks he did a brilliant job during the fight, but pretending to be invincible isn't his style.

The others, now on their feet, stand in a peaceful silence as the snowstorm settles, casting a serene look over the area.

"Hey, is everybody okay?" Zidane asks.

Steiner, clearly irritated, demands to know what happened, accusing Zidane of hiding something or, worse, behaving improperly with the princess while she slept.

Garnet scolds Steiner for the rude accusation, but Alex shakes his head. "Is this a circus? Sorry, Zidane, but downplaying what just happened isn't a smart idea. The others, especially Vivi and Garnet, have a right to know."

Steiner turns to Alex, eyes narrowed. "What happened?"

Alex explains, detailing the encounter with a tall black mage, resembling Vivi who cast a sleep spell over them. He goes on to describe how he and Zidane woke up and were forced into battle with an enemy who summoned a formidable creature called Sealion.

"We nearly died, no joke! I don't understand how you can act like nothing happened, Zidane. He called himself Black Waltz No. 1, and if there's a No. 1, it only makes sense there is also a No. 2 and a No. 3. We have to be careful! Their goal seems to be capturing the princess…."

Steiner's expression turns grave as he looks at Alex. "What are you saying, Alex? Are you implying the queen would bring back the princess by force, even if it means killing us?"

Alex nods. "Captain, I'm not certain, but I know what I saw. We should talk more about this later. For now, the storm has cleared, and we need to get out of this icy cave."

After several more skirmishes, the group finally reaches the steep path leading upward. The area where Alex and Zidane fought Black Waltz No. 1 and Sealion has changed. The icy battleground is gone, replaced by a majestic, unfrozen waterfall, now flowing freely.

Although Alex earns an additional 300 gil from the skirmishes, he feels drained from the exhausting battle. His mind and body are both taxed, worn from the trials of the day.

At last, they approach a warm light spilling in through the path above, the way out.

As they finally exit the cavern, the group steps out onto a series of cliffs, overlooking the landscape. They breathe in the fresh air, grateful to finally be above the mist. The warm sun shines down, filling them with relief and energy after the dark, cold cave.

From the top of the cliffs, they spot a small village nestled in the valley below.

Alex grins as he recognizes it immediately. "Dali… it's so much bigger in real life! Must be around fifty, maybe even a hundred houses." He appreciates the view as the others regroup, but Steiner and Zidane's bickering picks up again, just as Garnet declares her intent to leave the castle behind.

"From now on, please don't address me as Garnet. I'd prefer… Dagger," she says with newfound confidence.

As they descend toward the village, Zidane tries to teach Dagger more common speech, though her refined tone lingers, making his lesson only moderately successful. Alex eventually steps in with his own opinion. "Honestly, Zidane, we look suspicious as hell. Me and the captain in plate armor with all our weapons, Vivi… well, being Vivi. Really, only you and Dagger pass as 'normal,' but then there's your tail, and… Dagger's, uh, lack of local know-how."

"Hey!" Dagger pouts, giving Alex an indignant look. "I don't lack common sense… just maybe a little sheltered, that's all."

The group continues down the path, encountering a few small enemies along the way. Carve Spiders leap out from time to time, using their webs to slow them down, but with a bit of teamwork, they fend off the creatures easily, netting Alex another 200 gil.

As the sun dips lower, painting the sky a warm orange, they finally reach the village of Dali. Tired and eager for rest, they spot an inn marked with a large, hand-painted sign. Inside, the innkeeper jolts awake at the sight of the unusual group. His eyes linger on Vivi, though Zidane mistakes it for him ogling Garnet, tossing a playful comment about it.

After a quick exchange, Zidane pays for a room, and they all head upstairs to a larger dormitory with six simple beds lined up along the walls. Alex sighs in relief, noticing that there are actually enough beds for all of them this time, not just four as he remembered from the game.

Dagger expresses her hesitation about sleeping in a shared room, but Zidane reassures her. "Don't worry, Dagger. This is just how it is when you're traveling. It's completely normal."

Already tired of the endless banter, Alex claims a bed near the corner, lying down with a sense of relief as he tries to block out Steiner and Zidane's ongoing debate. Nearby, Vivi flops onto his own bed and falls asleep almost instantly.

An hour later, the room has quieted as everyone finally drifts off. With the group at rest, Alex takes the opportunity to open his chests, hoping for a useful item that might boost his combat strength.

"Probably just more Fantasy Coins or useless crafting junk," he mutters, bracing himself for disappointment but unable to shake a flicker of hope.

[Chest]

World: Final Fantasy 9

Quality: Green

Level: 1

Note: Dropped by Black Waltz No. 1

[Chest]

World: Final Fantasy 9

Quality: Blue

Level: 1

Note: Dropped by Sealion

"Alright, let's open the green one first." Alex opens the chest with anticipation.

You received 500 Fantasy Coins.

You received Steepled Hat

[Steepled Hat]

World: Final Fantasy 9

Quality: Green

Durability: 10/10

Effect 1: Increases STR by 1 (Flat boost, not increased by other skills)

Note: A suspicious-looking hat. If you like to stand out, this is the right kind of hat for you! It looks rather frail.

"This hat... it's ridiculous-looking and fragile but actually gives a small strength boost. Ten durability means it'll barely survive a few magical attacks at best. My [Visor of Pluto] is definitely in another league, but I could probably find a buyer for this in the Fantasy Realm. No stat requirements, so technically anyone can wear it to get an extra strength boost. Not bad! Funny thing, though, I remember it being a steal option from Black Waltz No. 2 and No. 3, not No. 1, which we just fought. Guess the system's balancing out the increased difficulty by giving me better loot."

Feeling lucky, Alex opens the next chest, his eyes gleaming with hope.

You received Frost Essence

You received Sealion's Might

[Frost Essence]

World: Fantasy Realm / Final Fantasy 9

Quality: Green

Effect: Instantly increases your frost resistance by 30% for 1 minute but causes 10 HP frost damage over the same period, along with a "chill" debuff. Also cures fire-related ailments.

Note: This is a frost essence, not intended for consumption. This item can be found in many worlds and is used in various crafting recipes.

[Sealion's Might]

World: Final Fantasy 9

Quality: Deep Blue

Type: Ring

Required Stats: MNA - 7, SPR - 9

Required Skills: Basic Meditation lvl 1, Basic Mana Control 1

Effect 1: Increases Max MP by 30 (Flat boost, not increased by skills)

Effect 2: Minor Frost Aptitude - Increases Frost Resistance and the Potency of all frost-related abilities by 10%

Note: The gemstone that was placed on Sealions chest returned to it's initial blue color but has decreased in size and potency. Embedded on a small bone ring it looks slightly evil but still carries a powerful magical enchantment that empowers the wielder with it's might if he has the mental and magical abilities to handle these powers.

Alex immediately loses any remaining drowsiness, fully realizing the significance of what he has obtained. This ring has high requirements, not only demanding an above-average MNA stat, since most people only have 1 point in it, as not everyone has the necessary arcane talent, but also a high SPR stat of 9, which Alex only reaches thanks to his Armor of Pluto. In addition, it requires the two foundational skills of MNA and SPR, each at level 1 rather than the initial level 0.

Naturally, these high requirements make the ring unusable for nearly everyone who doesn't focus on magic, which Alex estimates to be around 95-99% of tutorial players, yet it brings amazing effects in return. It boosts Alex's MP by 30 points, essentially adding the equivalent of 3 points in MNA. Moreover, the ring grants the effect Minor Frost Aptitude, increasing his Frost Resistance by 10% and making his frost spells 10% more effective. Since Alex is not a mage, the second effect might typically be useless, but thanks to his Genius Conjurer lvl 1 subskill, Arcane Medieval Armory, and his recently learned skill Sealion's Icewing Embrace lvl 0, this effect enhances his new skill's properties, better duration, durability, damage, and frost resistance. This ring effectively raises the level of his skill by 1 without added mana cost! Furthermore, it scales with his level by enhancing the effect by 10%; at skill level 10, it would essentially add 2 full levels to this ability.

Alex considers how much frost resistance he could reach at level 10, calculating it would surpass 100%, could that grant him not only frost resistance but frost absorption? He can't wait to find out! Now, with this new item, not only can he cast his Conjuration skill twice in a single battle, but it's also far more effective. This item suits Alex perfectly, and he predicts he'll keep it for a long time if he survives this mission.

Alex decides to sleep without conjuring any grenades, feeling drained after the day's trials and calculating that they would disappear in just a few hours after waking up. "I'll make a few after some rest," he thinks, still holding onto his new ring, its beautiful blue gemstone gleaming exactly as it did on Sealion's chest, though now smaller. He admires the ring one last time, then closes his eyes, a satisfied expression settling on his face. Today had been a turning point; he had not only learned a new ability and acquired a powerful ring but also gained valuable combat experience. As he drifts off, he feels a deep sense of accomplishment.

Alex Kerber: Lvl 1

HP: 130/130, MP: 110/110

STR: 7 (+1), AGI: 7 (+1), PHY: 7, SNS: 7 (+1), CHA: 7 (+5), MNA: 7, INT: 7 SPR: 7 (+5), LUK: 7

Available Stat Points: 1

Innate Skills: Genius Conjurer lvl 1, Statistical OCD lvl MAX

Free Skill Slots: 0/2, Free Basic Skill Slots: 0/8

Basic skills: Basic Close Combat Prowess lvl 1, Basic Footwork lvl 1, Basic Endurance lvl 1, Basic Long-Range Combat Prowess lvl 1, Basic Eloquence lvl 1, Basic Concentration lvl 1, Basic Meditation lvl 1, Basic Mana Control lvl 1

Passive Skills: Pistol Proficiency lvl 1, Alexandrian Royal Swordsmanship lvl 0

Active Skills: Annihilation Grenade lvl 1, Sealions Icewing Embrace lvl 0

Fantasy Coins: 3500 Soul Crystals: Small x2 Gil: 4000

Current Weapons: Mr. 5's Revolver (Downgraded) (Deep Blue), Sword of Pluto (Deep Blue) Barbed Dagger (Light Green)

Current Equipment: Commander Shepard's Dog Tag (Deep Blue), Sealion's Might (Deep Blue), Shield of Pluto (Deep Blue), Armor of Pluto (Blue), Visor of Pluto (Blue), Cuisses of Pluto (Blue), Gauntlets of Pluto (Blue), Sabatons of Pluto (Blue)

Miscellaneous Items: Navalia Wolf Jerky x4 (Gray), Healing Potion x1 (White), Potion x4 (White), Ether (Light Green) Antidote x3 (White), Eye Drops x2 (White), Freshly baked Pumpkin bread x 2 (Gray), Various cards x57 (Mix) Jack's Spare Silvery Mask (Light Green) Navalia Fur Armor (White), Navalia Fur Boots (White), Navalia Fur Gauntlets (White) Solid Marine Saber (Light Green), Plant Essence x3 (Green), Frost Essence (Green), Steepled Hat (Green)