Heart and Soul

Heart and Soul
Event Characters
Bonus Accessories
Start time	2022-07-19T07:00:00Z, 2023-04-03T07:00:00Z
End time	2022-08-02T06:59:59Z, 2023-04-11T06:59:59Z
Previous: Charting a Path Next: Weave of Fate

Availability

This Forging Bonds event was made available:

• 2022-07-19T07:00:00Z – 2022-08-02T06:59:59Z (Notification)
• 2023-04-03T07:00:00Z – 2023-04-11T06:59:59Z (Notification)

Rewards

Original run

Points	Reward	Points	Reward	Points	Reward	Points	Reward
10	Kamui's C Conversation	10	Celica's C Conversation	10	Atlas's C Conversation	10	Est's C Conversation
25	50	25	50	25	50	25	50
50	300	50	300	50	300	50	300
75	50	75	50	75	50	75	50
100		100		100		100
150	50 1,500	150	50 1,500	150	50 1,500	150	50 1,500
200	10	200	10	200	10	200	10
250	50 1,500	250	50 1,500	250	50 1,500	250	50 1,500
300	Kamui's B Conversation	300	Celica's B Conversation	300	Atlas's B Conversation	300	Est's B Conversation
350	50 1,500	350	50 1,500	350	50 1,500	350	50 1,500
400	1	400	1	400	1	400	1
450	300	450	300	450	300	450	300
500	50 1,500	500	50 1,500	500	50 1,500	500	50 1,500
550	300	550	300	550	300	550	300
600	50 1,500	600	50 1,500	600	50 1,500	600	50 1,500
700	50 1,500	700	50 1,500	700	50 1,500	700	50 1,500
800	Kamui's A Conversation	800	Celica's A Conversation	800	Atlas's A Conversation	800	Est's A Conversation
900	300	900	300	900	300	900	300
1,000	10	1,000	10	1,000	10	1,000	10
1,100	300	1,100	300	1,100	300	1,100	300
1,200	5 1,500	1,200	5 1,500	1,200	5 1,500	1,200	5 1,500
1,300	300	1,300	300	1,300	300	1,300	300
1,400	300	1,400	300	1,400	300	1,400	300
1,500	Kamui's S Conversation	1,500	Celica's S Conversation	1,500	Atlas's S Conversation	1,500	Est's S Conversation
1,600	2	1,600	2	1,600	2	1,600	2
1,700	300	1,700	300	1,700	300	1,700	300
1,900	300	1,900	300	1,900	300	1,900	300
2,100	300	2,100	300	2,100	300	2,100	300
2,300	300	2,300	300	2,300	300	2,300	300
2,500	1,500	2,500	1,500	2,500	1,500	2,500	1,500
2,750	300	2,750	300	2,750	300	2,750	300
3,000	10	3,000	10	3,000	10	3,000	10
3,250	500	3,250	500	3,250	500	3,250	500
3,500	10	3,500	10	3,500	10	3,500	10

Rerun

Points	Reward	Points	Reward	Points	Reward	Points	Reward
5	Kamui's C Conversation	5	Celica's C Conversation	5	Atlas's C Conversation	5	Est's C Conversation
15	50	15	50	15	50	15	50
25	300	25	300	25	300	25	300
35	50	35	50	35	50	35	50
50		50		50		50
75	50 1,500	75	50 1,500	75	50 1,500	75	50 1,500
100	10	100	10	100	10	100	10
125	50 1,500	125	50 1,500	125	50 1,500	125	50 1,500
150	Kamui's B Conversation	150	Celica's B Conversation	150	Atlas's B Conversation	150	Est's B Conversation
175	50 1,500	175	50 1,500	175	50 1,500	175	50 1,500
200	1	200	1	200	1	200	1
225	300	225	300	225	300	225	300
250	50 1,500	250	50 1,500	250	50 1,500	250	50 1,500
275	300	275	300	275	300	275	300
300	50 1,500	300	50 1,500	300	50 1,500	300	50 1,500
350	50 1,500	350	50 1,500	350	50 1,500	350	50 1,500
400	Kamui's A Conversation	400	Celica's A Conversation	400	Atlas's A Conversation	400	Est's A Conversation
450	300	450	300	450	300	450	300
500	10	500	10	500	10	500	10
550	300	550	300	550	300	550	300
600	5 1,500	600	5 1,500	600	5 1,500	600	5 1,500
650	300	650	300	650	300	650	300
700	300	700	300	700	300	700	300
750	Kamui's S Conversation	750	Celica's S Conversation	750	Atlas's S Conversation	750	Est's S Conversation
800	2	800	2	800	2	800	2
850	300	850	300	850	300	850	300
900	300	900	300	900	300	900	300
1,000	300	1,000	300	1,000	300	1,000	300
1,100	300	1,100	300	1,100	300	1,100	300
1,200	1,500	1,200	1,500	1,200	1,500	1,200	1,500
1,300	300	1,300	300	1,300	300	1,300	300
1,450	10	1,450	10	1,450	10	1,450	10
1,600	500	1,600	500	1,600	500	1,600	500
1,750	10	1,750	10	1,750	10	1,750	10

Special conversations

Heart and Soul

Heart and Soul - Opening

Anna	Well, that's a brief overview of the Order of Heroes. We're really looking forward to working with you!
So, just to make sure I got all of that, you're a group that hires the best mercs from across all sorts of worlds.		Kamui
Anna	Well, you're not exactly right, but you're not entirely wrong, either... We might employ plenty of Heroes, but we aren't a professional army, and many Heroes aren't mercenaries. Instead, we're a group united by a single purpose: to bring lasting peace and stability to the Kingdom of Askr. I hope you'll all be able and willing to contribute to that cause.
My older sisters are in, so I'm in too!		Est
Atlas	We're not the sort to look away when we see someone in need. Ain't that right, priestess?
Hm? Oh, yes... Of course...		Celica
Atlas	Something on your mind?
Oh, no. Don't mind me. Commander... I hope you will allow me to render aid in the manner I deem most appropriate.		Celica
Kamui	Long as I get paid for my work, it doesn't much matter to me who's doing the paying. I'm in.
Phew, that's really great to hear. We need all the help we can get!		Anna
Oh, uh...I should add that I have a somewhat...special request of sorts for Princess Celica in particular.		Anna
Celica	For me? What is it?
I ask this of every new Alm and Celica who finds their way to Askr, so don't take it personally, but...		Anna
If you happen to come upon wooden boxes or urns out in the field, um... Be sure not to break them, OK?		Anna
Celica	Oh, uh... Certainly. I will keep that in mind.
Great! For some reason, you're the only ones from Valentia who even notice the crates around Askr. But every time you do, you and Alm get this crazy look in your eyes and just smash them to pieces!		Anna
Celica	Yes, well... It's almost like there's an unseen force guiding our hand...
Hmm...		Atlas
Kamui, have you seen the priestess?		Atlas
Kamui	Oh, she said something about taking a stroll around the castle grounds to clear her head.
That so...		Atlas
Est	Hey... Did everyone else know that the priestess is actually a princess? Of Zofia, right?
I knew she was far from ordinary, at the very least. She's probably just got a lot of things on her mind. I told her that fighting necrodragons makes me weak in the knees, but it's like she clean forgot...		Kamui
Est	Did you ever suspect that she was royalty, though? I mean, she does have a certain grace...
If it wasn't for her kindness and bravery, my brothers would still be at the mercy of bandits. That she was a princess all along came as no surprise to me. She acted as a true ruler should.		Atlas
Kamui	Speaking of which, is it just me, or did she seem kind of...off earlier?
Maybe the commander was a little too overbearing with her request? It WAS kind of awkward.		Est
Kamui	No, it's not that. She just seemed distracted, I guess. Like her mind was someplace else.
You might be onto something...		Atlas

Heart and Soul - C

Celica	...
Ah, I finally found you, Priestess. Long time to spend on a scroll around the grounds, eh?		Atlas
Celica	Oh, hello, Atlas... I didn’t mean to be away for so long. I’m sorry to have troubled you. I thought it might help to clear my head, but as I walked along, the thoughts only grew louder...
Priestess, listen... I can tell that something is bothering you. I may be a simple man, but I’ll listen. I mean, you were pretty distracted during the commander’s overview of the Order of Heroes.		Atlas
Celica	Well, you heard it too, didn’t you? That they’ve assembled mighty warriors from worlds over?
From the Hero-King of Archanea to the Emperor of Rigel, yeah. They sure ain’t hurting for powerful figures.		Atlas
Celica	Indeed. And the Order of Heroes uses the power at its disposal to protect Askr and its people. But...what effect does seeing that power in action have on their people? It is a question that haunts me. I cannot shake the suspicion that they’ve been led to believe power is the solution to every problem.
Sure, not hard to see why.		Atlas
Celica	Perhaps not, but I fear they have forgotten the value of negotiation as a way to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Didn’t the commander say their foes have never been interested in peace talks? Can’t really blame them, then.		Atlas
Celica	Once, I besought the Earth Mother with my prayers, hoping that would deliver an age of peace unto Valentia. Elsewhere, Alm took up his sword and charged into battle, relying on arms and armor to win the day. Compassion and strength—our methods were very different, yet neither would suffice alone. It was only when we acted in concert that we were finally able to lay the foundations for a lasting peace.
So, you ended up needing both approaches in equal measure, eh?		Atlas
Celica	Exactly... And yet, from what I know of the Order of Heroes, I fear that vital balance may have been lost.
Strength is a lot easier to measure than compassion. It’s no wonder the people equate Heroes with it.		Atlas
Celica	For their own good, the people of Askr must be taught to not overly rely on—or venerate—power. Our message must be of caring and compassion. Whether they will listen to it, though...

Heart and Soul - B

Kamui	We should show compassion with as much fervor as strength, huh? That’s her message to the people?
The priestess is concerned that Askr has come to rely too much on strength as an answer to its problems.		Atlas
Est	Right, I can see how the people might start to think that, given all the strong Heroes hanging around.
I get that. I get paid to swing my sword. I’m not sure I can really be of any more use than that. Still, even if that’s all I’m really got at, at least here I know I’m fighting for a good cause. And now, we have a chance to do even more—to help rebuild lives, rather than destroy them.		Kamui
Atlas	Sounds like a good example of just the kind of compassion that the priestess is preaching.
I used to wonder if I could help everyone back home somehow, not just my fellow soldiers. That’s when I decided to leave my life in the Whitewings behind and open up my very own shop! Even though I was summoned here to fight, maybe this is a chance to put some of that experience to good use.		Est
Atlas	Peace can take a generation to build, and then disappear in the blink of an eye. Gone, just like that. At least, that’s how it felt when brigands abducted my brothers and took over my village.
That’s why it’s important to never take the safety of power or peace for granted. Neither can last forever. I’m sure that Celica just wants everyone at the Order of Heroes to understand that.		Est
Kamui	I get what she’s trying to say, but I’m not sure I can convince the people of Askr to see it like that.
I know what you mean. It’s completely different from lecturing my younger brothers.		Atlas
Kamui	Still... Seeing the priestess work so hard makes me feel like I should try to help, even if it’s in my own way.
Yeah, me too! There’s got to be something I can do!		Est
Atlas	It may not be much, but we should try to pitch in however we can.

Heart and Soul - A

Celica	I inspired you to work together? That is humbling to hear. Together, I’m sure we can find a path toward peace that does not rely solely on brute force.
Yeah, I’d rather the world not end up with people in power using it to make everyone else’s lives miserable.		Atlas
Kamui	Fair enough, but what if we end up with a world where nobody has the power to do anything?
The key is maintaining a delicate balance, and to do that, people need to support one another.		Est
Celica	The Heroes in the Order have more than just strength going for them. Surely they can see the value in supporting each other as well.
Palla and Catria have both joined the Order, so I’m willing to bet there are other people who’d agree with you!		Est
Kamui	Valbar has also spoken highly of the Order. Given his strong sense of duty, that’s a pretty good sign.
The end to Askr’s conflict may not be in sight just yet, but it will surely arrive one day. When that day dawns, the people must be ready to appreciate and preserve their hard-won peace.		Celica
Atlas	There will be just as many, if not more, things to do in the ensuing peacetime, huh?
I’ve been told that all of the Heroes will return to their respective worlds once Askr finally achieves its goal. But I hope that I can find a way to remain here beyond that, even if only for a short while... There is so much that the people need to hear once their minds are freed from the stresses of war.		Celica
Est	Then I’ll stick around too. Wouldn’t want you to get lonely!
I don’t normally work for free, but this may be a good opportunity to pay off the debt I owe you, Priestess.		Kamui
Atlas	Making plans is well and good, but let’s not forget we’ve still got more than a handful of foes to deal with. That said, if you ever need anything, just call on me.
Thank you, everyone. Fostering a desire for peace among the people now will only brighten Askr’s future. Let’s work toward that future together, hand in hand!		Celica

Kamui: Wandering Blade

Kamui: Wandering Blade - C

Kamui	I never imagined I’d be working with such a huge band of folks. I’m never going to remember all these names...
Names are tricky... Some Heroes even go by different aliases at different times. And they’re both here! But if you forget a name, you can always just nod and smile as they pass by.		Gatekeeper
Kamui	While we’re on the topic, everyone calls you “Gatekeeper,” but that’s not your name, is it? Why are you just smiling at me?
Would you look at that? The scouts sent to survey the western highway are back.		Gatekeeper
Gerik	Gerik reporting in. Everyone’s back safe and sound. Nothing out of the ordinary.
Phew... I’m lookin’ forward to washin’ off the dust of the road. And dinner.		Dieck
Gatekeeper	Well done out there, men!
Don’t know about you, but returning safe and sound is something I celebrate, personally.		Kamui
Gerik	Kamui! Well met. Looks like you’re through with training. You used to Askr yet?
I’ve always been a wanderer. Figuring out the lay of the land is nothing new.		Kamui
Dieck	Now that’s a useful skill for a merc. Pays to keep an eye on which way the wind is blowing.
Valbar told me a lot about you. Said you were skilled and trustworthy, like Leon.		Gerik
Kamui	I only did what it took to earn my keep. Simple as that.
That’s exactly what makes you a first-class mercenary in his eyes, ain’t it?		Dieck
Gerik	We should get together and swap stories over a tipple. I’ll invite Valbar and Leon, of course.
Works for me. Those two do love their stories.		Kamui
Dieck	Later, then!
Right...		Kamui
Gatekeeper	You’re the real deal, Kamui! Even hardened mercenaries are singing your praises! If I would trust anyone to appraise a mercenary, it’d be another mercenary.
Eh...		Kamui
Gatekeeper	Hmm? Is something wrong?
Nah. I’m going to get in a few more practice swings before the sun sets.		Kamui
Gatekeeper	Understood. Be safe!

Kamui: Wandering Blade - B

Valbar	Got a job lined up. We’re to guard Midgard’s Shield, alongside the Greil Mercenaries.
“Midgard’s Shield”? That’s quite a name. Never been myself, but I’ve heard it’s seen many a battle.		Kamui
Leon	Now that we’re reunited, let’s show Askr what we can do!
We have a full week to prepare. If you need any supplies, be sure to visit Commander Anna.		Valbar
Kamui	Will do.
The way the Order of Heroes keeps things running is something else. Each Hero assigned to duties that play to their strengths, and the entire kingdom benefits. One thing is clear, at least: Prince Alfonse and the commander are no ordinary leaders.		Valbar
Leon	It’s true that quite a few strong men work for them, but none can hold a candle to you, Valbar. Anyway, I’m glad that they respect each of us as a person. For what makes us unique.
Now that you mention it, this place does feel pretty liberating.		Kamui
Leon	It was fun traveling with the priestess and all, but life here is just more... Let’s call it cozy.
Cozy? Hm.		Kamui
Leon	Come on, what’s with that look? Don’t tell me you actually dislike this place?
Nah, it’s not that. I just... It’s all a little too good, you know?		Kamui
Leon	No, actually, I don’t. If you’re going to get philosophical, connect the dots.
Bah...		Kamui
All right... This should be all of my worldly possessions, plus some grub for the road. Considering I was summoned here with the clothes on my back, it’s not much, but... This is where we part ways, Order of Heroes. It was short but sweet.		Kamui

Kamui: Wandering Blade - A

Gatekeeper	Halt! State your business! Wait...is that you, Kamui? What are you doing out so late?
Do you sleep?		Kamui
Gatekeeper	Of course! We all need rest. I was just about to call it a night and turn in, actually.
We didn’t get to spend much time together, but I’ll always remember your stories of Askr.		Kamui
Gatekeeper	Oh, er... Thank you? That sounds like “farewell,” not “good night.” Are you leaving on a journey?
I spent some time with Valbar and the priestess, but it’s not in my nature to stick to one place. Now that I have a mental map of the local area, I figure it’s about time that I moved on. No need to worry about me, though. Never been to a place that can’t make use of a mercenary.		Kamui
Gatekeeper	I see... I hope it isn’t that you’ve taken issue with how the Order of Heroes operates.
The opposite, in fact. It’s so comfortable here that it chafes. Fighting’s hard, but you’re working with the best in the business, and the drinks aren’t bad either. If you had to live as a warrior forever, I reckon this would be the ideal place to do it.		Kamui
Gatekeeper	I see...
Look, I can tell what you’re thinking. But this isn’t the life for me. I hate being tied down. If I get out before I make ties, I don’t have to cut them later. Make sense?		Kamui
Gatekeeper	Sure. Different people have different ways of living.
What about you? Don’t you get tired of guarding the same gate, day in, day out?		Kamui
Gatekeeper	My duty is to guard the gate, so I go where it goes. Which is to say, nowhere. But people pass through all the time, and when they do, we have a friendly chat. They regale me with all sorts of stories from Askr and beyond. It’s like I lived them myself!
Well, I’ll leave you to it, then. Keep those eyes and ears open, and you’ll do fine.		Kamui
Gatekeeper	I will. It was nice talking with you. Be careful out there, and drop by anytime. I’ll be here!

Kamui: Wandering Blade - S

Blaiddyd Rex	*bark*
What’s wrong, buddy? It’s not time for dinner yet! Be a good boy and settle down.		Gatekeeper
Kamui	Let me guess—nothing to report, as usual?
Kamui! I didn’t expect to see you back so soon. By my count, it hasn’t quite been three days since you left. Did you forget something?		Gatekeeper
Kamui	Eh, sort of. I neglected to tell Valbar or the priestess I was leaving, so I’ve been feeling guilty. Truth is, I haven’t repaid them for everything they did for me, and I can’t let that slide.
You’re indebted to them. I see.		Gatekeeper
Kamui	I got so worried about being tied down that the thought itself was tying me up. I’ve lived my life as a wanderer, but that doesn’t mean I have to keep on wandering.
It seems the shackles we bind ourselves with take many forms.		Gatekeeper
Kamui	On the nose. But now they’re broken. I came back because I wanted to... Simple as that.
Then let me be the first to welcome you back! The Order of Heroes is lucky to have you.		Gatekeeper
Kamui	Thanks. From here on out, I’m going to dedicate myself to solving the Order’s mysteries. For example: How do a guy who spends his life wandering and one who stays put become friends? What is it about this place that brings opposites together... Any thoughts on that?
Any thoughts on what now?		Gatekeeper
Kamui	Never mind. I’ll catch you later. I’ve got that job with Valbar, and I’d better get ready. And I got roped into drinking with the other mercs. Guess Askr is going to keep me busy...for a while.

Celica: Valentia's Hope

Celica: Valentia's Hope - C

Celica	So, you mean to tell me that Mila herself is here in Askr?
Yep. She shows up every once in a while to help us out.		Mae
Fjorm	Indeed. We summon more than just the heroes of other worlds. We call on their gods as well.
And it’s not just Mila from our world, either. Duma’s here too, helping the people of Askr.		Mae
Celica	Both of the gods who had a hand in the creation of Valentia, here in this world... Perhaps my summoning was Mila’s will after all. If she and Duma both offer their aid to Askr, that is a reassuring thing to hear. However...
What’s on your mind, Celica?		Mae
Celica	Princess Fjorm, you said a moment ago that Askr calls upon the gods of other worlds for help as well.
I did, yes.		Fjorm
Celica	That means, despite the assistance of divinity itself... Askr has yet to be able to step out from under the shadow of war?
Correct, I’m afraid. As powerful as the gods may be, our enemies have all too often been just as strong.		Fjorm
Celica	I think at last I understand just how hard this struggle has been for you. And thus, I think, how difficult and important the battles to come will be.

Celica: Valentia's Hope - B

Mae	Hey, Princess Fjorm. Have you seen Celica around?
I saw her praying in the courtyard a short while ago.		Fjorm
Mae	Great. I’ll head there, then. Thanks!
Actually, would you mind if I came along with you? I feel as if something has been troubling her lately. I’d like to help, if I can.		Fjorm
Mae	It’s kind of you to be concerned. Of course you can come. I’m worried about her too. She’s praying even more than usual lately.
...		Fjorm
Celica	Seraphim! Thunder!
Huh. You know, Celica’s prayers don't usually involve this much shouting. Or lightning.		Mae
Fjorm	She looks to be practicing her magic.
Oh, hello, Mae. Princess Fjorm.		Celica
Mae	We decided to drop by and check on you. How are you feeling, Celica?
I suppose I’ve had a lot on my mind lately. That’s why I’ve been practicing my magic so much. It keeps me moving, focused on something simple.		Celica
Fjorm	May I ask what’s been troubling you?
I have always thought of myself as an instrument of Mila’s will. But ever since I learned that Mila’s direct intervention has not been enough to win peace for Askr... I have been wondering what good a mere instrument such as myself can possibly do to help.		Celica
Fjorm	It is a tall order indeed, for all of us.
I get it. Our power is nothing when you compare it to a god. So if Mila’s efforts aren’t enough to get something done, it’s easy to think it must be impossible.		Mae
Fjorm	It is true that the gods have given us their assistance many times. But that does not devalue the efforts of anyone else. And I do not think they are as omnipotent as they seem.
...		Celica
Fjorm	I think the gods are a lot like us. They have problems and struggles just like we do.
Perhaps you’re right.		Celica
Mila	“For Naga knew there was but a creeping madness waiting at eternity’s end.” “It is a ruin all dragons share.” “And the only end is one of total destruction.”
Mila...		Celica
Mila	“I loved my brother, even as we loved mankind.” “Where we strayed, I cannot remember.”
Even the gods have struggles...		Celica
Fjorm	...

Celica: Valentia's Hope - A

Fjorm	I’d like to tell you a story, Princess Celica, if I may.
Of course. I assume it’s a story about the gods, somehow?		Celica
Fjorm	Yes. As champion of the god of ice, Nifl, I once had to fight against the god of fire, Múspell. But Múspell also had a champion of his own. Princess Laegjarn. She and I actually shared a mutual respect. Neither of us wanted to fight the other.
It sounds like you might have been friends, if not for the gods.		Celica
Mae	Celica... This sounds like...
Please go on, Princess Fjorm.		Celica
Fjorm	It was a terrible battle...and we both knew it would not be over until one of us was killed.
That’s awful. I’m so sorry.		Celica
Fjorm	It was, but...what got me through it, in the end, was my belief in her. In Princess Laegjarn. Even though the gods themselves made us enemies, I believed we could overcome that fate together. And because I believed it, we did. We both managed to survive, and we did eventually become friends.
Your bond must have grown very strong, to overcome such a hardship.		Celica
Mae	This sounds a lot like what happened between you and Alm, Celica.
For all the gods’ power, there are times when even they can’t imagine what ordinary people are capable of. Because when we truly care about each other, we can achieve anything.		Fjorm
Celica	You are absolutely right. Mila entrusted me with the future of Valentia for a reason. And I will not let her down!

Celica: Valentia's Hope - S

Celica	I will never forget what Mila said to Alm and me just before she ascended to the heavens. She said, “Perhaps men have long been walking on their own without our aid.”
So Mila herself acknowledged the strength of humanity.		Mae
Celica	It’s just as you said, Princess Fjorm. When people harness their potential, they can surprise even the gods. Mila has known that all along.
She must have.		Fjorm
Celica	There is also what she said when she entrusted us with Falchion, the key to the fate of Valentia. Her exact words were, “I entrust Falchion to your care.” But the fate of Valentia was never purely in the hands of Alm and me. It couldn’t be. Mila had to have been addressing all of the people of Valentia. Everyone.
It certainly is more than just heroes who change the future.		Fjorm
Mae	Right. Regular folks can do so much when they work together.
Precisely. So, even if the gods cannot win peace for Askr on their own... that doesn’t mean we should say it’s impossible, or that we should give up. We have so many allies. So many friends ready to support each other.		Celica
Mae	Celica...
So even if the gods weren’t here, I have to believe that we could secure peace by working together. Because that is what we do. That is who we are. Thank you for reminding me of my faith in people, Princess Fjorm. It seems I sorely needed it.		Celica
Fjorm	If my words have been helpful to you, then I am glad.
I’m grateful to you as well, Mae. Thank you for looking out for me, as you always do. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful friend.		Celica
Mae	Ah, don’t mention it. You know I’m always here for you!
Mila has placed her faith in me. I will ensure that faith is not misplaced. And with so many incredible friends to lean on, I cannot possibly fail.		Celica

Atlas: Forest Muscle

Atlas: Forest Muscle - C

Anna	Now, just to confirm... You need one thousand planks of lumber, right? I have to say, that’s quite the request!
I’m fully aware of how impossible it is, but please—can you help me? Since I arrived here, I’ve seen so many families who’ve lost their homes to war...		Echidna
Anna	Ah, that explains it. You’re trying to put a new roof over all their heads, aren’t you? Right, well... I never said it was impossible, but I will need some time to check with my sources.
I already asked the other—erm, Commander Anna, but it seems like she has her hands full. But Anna & Company is famous for its connections. I’d be thankful for any help you could provide!		Echidna
Bartre	Gahaha! Sounds like you’ve got a job tailor-made for the Community of Hatchet-Operating Persons!
Oh. I should also mention that we need all thousand planks as soon as possible. Ideally, tomorrow. So, can you do it? Rumor has it a skilled woodcutter joined CHOP not too long ago.		Anna
Atlas	That’d be me, I guess.
Hm? Oh, you must be the Hero who was just summoned here from Valentia... Atlas, right?		Anna
Atlas	Yes, ma’am. Before all the fighting started back home, I used my axe to feed my little brothers. I can handle myself in a fight, but my true calling is cutting down trees, not people. I say we take this job, Bartre.
Agreed. It’s up to us and our hatchets to hack Askr’s problems down to size! With CHOP on the case, you’ll have no less than ten thousand planks on your plate before sundown! Gahaha!		Bartre
Anna	I, uh, appreciate the enthusiasm, but one thousand should be more than enough. Let’s start there, OK?

Atlas: Forest Muscle - B

Bartre	Everyone ready? We’re gonna chop enough lumber to rebuild a whole village’s worth of houses!
Giving back to those who’ve lost everything—I can’t think of a better definition of a hero!		Arthur
Osian	So, uh... We just hack away at the trunk until the whole thing comes crashing down, right?
I pull whole tree out of ground before, but...I never try hitting with axe. That good idea.		Gonzalez
Legion	Uwe hee hee! We goodses at chopping fleshses. Never practiced on barkses.
I used to catch fish for a living. Can’t say I’d be much help sorting out a pile of wood.		Darros
Atlas	In that case, I’ll bring you all up to speed. Combat experience helps a bit, but there’s a lot to learn. But believe me: everyone in CHOP’s got the muscles required to become a heck of a woodcutter.
You’re not the only former lumberjack around here. I’ll help teach everyone too.		Barst
Darros	In that case, I think I’ll take you up on your kind offer. Never hurts to learn some new skills, right?
Uwe hee hee! Times to cuts some woodses! Choppity-chop!		Legion
Atlas	Strength is important, but it ain’t everything. You can’t just hack the tree to bits. Think about the angle of your swing. You control the tree, not the other way around.
I am...not so good at thinking. But... I will not give up.		Gonzalez
Darros	Hrk! Trees are a lot tougher than they look, huh? Guess I need to put more power into it.
Hmm... Don’t focus so much on your arms. Let the momentum flow through your whole body.		Atlas
Legion	Uwe hee hee! We getses it! Hackity-hack!
Good, good. You’re all making excellent progress. Keep it up and you’ll be pros in no time.		Atlas

Atlas: Forest Muscle - A

Libra	It seems like you all are working up quite a sweat. Why not have some chilled tea to cool off?
Hey, thanks!		Osian
Barst	Let’s take a break, then. Fatigue is as much a danger here as it is on the battlefield.
I am...trying my hardest. Can I really be...a good woodcutter?		Gonzalez
Atlas	I don’t see why not. You’ve got the right attitude for it, that’s for sure. I’ve never met someone willing to do some good old-fashioned hard work that wasn’t cut out for woodcutting.
Oh, I... That makes me very happy. People almost never say...such nice things to me...		Gonzalez
Legion	Uwe hee hee! And hows about Legion? We dids a real number on these treeses, huh?
Right, about that... You might want to be a little less...aggressive. A tree’s no good beaten to a pulp. Try to think of this as an exchange with nature, where we gladly receive Mila’s bounty.		Atlas
Legion	Bounty? We knows bounties! Gets paid lotsa monies for those, yes, yes, yes! Uwe hee hee!
You know, there’s something oddly peaceful about quieting your mind and simply swinging away.		Dorcas
Arthur	Well said! It certainly beats having to pay attention to every little detail in the thick of a frenzied battle. Though that’s not to say you can completely zone out—I was almost crushed flat a few times!
I like to think I’m pretty good at spotting potential CHOP material. You, however, have surpassed even my loftiest expectations in no time at all! Gahaha!		Bartre
Darros	I had planned to go back to fishing once the fighting died down, but woodcutting isn’t too bad. It’s...actually pretty great, now that I’ve gotten used to it.
If you’re looking to use your axe to create instead of destroy, there aren’t many surer options than woodcutting.		Atlas
Dorcas	Create instead of destroy, huh? That does have a nice ring to it. I’d like my family to see me as someone who gives, rather than takes.
Right then, there’s only a few trees left. The people of Askr are waiting on this lumber, so let’s get to it!		Atlas

Atlas: Forest Muscle - S

Anna	...998, 999, and...1,000! Great, it’s all here, right down to the last plank. Pleasure doing business with you!
I’m just glad we were able to find enough wood to fulfill the order.		Atlas
Echidna	Wonderful. The people won’t have to wait much longer for new housing. Thank you for all your help, Atlas.
Aw, shucks, but we couldn’t have done this without the help of all the CHOP members, new and old. We had a few first-timers to woodcutting, but at this point I think it’s fair to call them seasoned pros.		Atlas
Echidna	Ah, so it was you who taught them? In that case, thank you for sharing your knowledge with them. You’re a true master of your craft, in more ways than one.
If I didn’t know any better, I’d say everyone’s new favorite hobby is cutting down trees! Gahaha!		Bartre
Anna	Hey! Where’s Bartre? Has anyone seen Bartre?!
Hello there, Commander. Did you need something from me?		Bartre
Anna	I’ve been getting reports of CHOP members deforesting the nearby mountainside! What’s the big idea?!
Say what?! This is the first I’ve heard of it!		Bartre
Darros	TIMBERRR! Phew, watching it fall never gets old!
Choppity-chop! Hackity-hack! Wes gonna gets the most bountieses ever! Uwe hee hee!		Legion
Gonzalez	Everyone was...happy when I did my best. I’m not going...to stop now.
I’m almost clean through mine! Get ready!		Ross
Atlas	...I have no right to call myself a teacher. Not when I forgot the most important part.
And that is?		Anna
Atlas	No woodcutter worth their salt should be cutting down trees without good reason. People and nature depend on each other to survive, but we’ve gotta keep a healthy balance.
True enough. There’s an entire ecosystem out there depending on those trees.		Echidna
Atlas	We’d better rein them in before it’s too late. Come on, Bartre!
Agreed. Not a moment to lose!		Bartre
Atlas	Whether we’re talking Valentia or Askr, the same principle applies... A true woodcutter gives back just as much as they take—or better yet, more!

Est: Sweet Baby Sis

Est: Sweet Baby Sis - C

Est	Hmm... No matter how I look at it, there’s more to this stone than meets the eye.
Nice day, isn’t it?		Peony
Est	Wah! W-w-wings? On your back? Wait, wait, wait... Are you a fairy? Like an actual fairy from a storybook?
Not quite. I guess we’ve never met before, have we? You must have been summoned recently. I’m Peony, a ljósálfr from Ljósálfheimr, the realm of dreams.		Peony
Est	I’m Est, one of the Whi—er, well, no. I run a shop in Altea. Nice to meet you!
Yes, it’s nice to meet you too! By the way, I couldn’t help but notice that stone you were looking at...		Peony
Est	Oh, that? It’s an amulet from my shop. It’s said to have slept in the arms of a dragon for three thousand years... And it can grant any wish!
Three thousand years? If it slept that long, then it must have had many dreams...		Peony
Est	I showed it to my sister Catria. She just called me gullible. And laughed! What does she know? It looks special to me!
Do you mind if I take a closer look?		Peony
Est	Sure, go ahead! Take your time. It’s for sale, so let me know if you want it!
How particular. It doesn’t seem like a dragonstone—the ones the manaketes all carry. Hmmm...		Peony
Est	What’s on your mind? You look so serious.
I think I sense a mysterious power from this amulet, Est.		Peony
Est	You do? Really?
Really. It’s not my imagination, that’s for sure. I’d really like to look into it. Can I borrow this for a while?		Peony
Est	I KNEW it wasn’t any old stone! And I want to know just what it is too.
If we ask the right Hero, we’re sure to find out more!		Peony

Est: Sweet Baby Sis - B

Peony	Est! There you are.
Peony! I was training with my sisters. Something’s up! I can tell by just looking at you. Spill! Wait, don’t tell me that the amulet I had is actually...special?		Est
Peony	Actually...yes!
You’re kidding!		Est
Merric	This amulet doesn’t appear to have any particular sorcery cast upon it, but I do sense a trace of magic.
There’s simply no way to test if this amulet was possessed by a dragon for three thousand years. I can say, however, that it has been in close contact with a powerful magical being for a very long time. Thanks to that, a trace of magical energy has seeped into the stone... It all fits rather nicely, doesn’t it?		Pent
Peony	I spoke to a few others too—Niime, Canas, Knoll. They all said that this stone is anything but ordinary.
Woah...		Est
Peony	Is something the matter? You look a little dazed.
Ah! Oh... Well, it’s just...a little tough to wrap my head around!		Est
Peony	Before, you said this stone is rumored to grant wishes, didn’t you?
Yes... Supposedly.		Est
Peony	I don’t know about that, but I did have a string of good luck while I was holding on to it. Normally, I give others pleasant dreams, but I had a lovely one of my own. And in the dining hall, they had my favorite fruit! I haven’t had any in ages...
Good luck? That’s incredible. I hope it’s true.		Est
???	Something that can make any wish come true, eh?
Balthus	Now THAT sounds interesting! How about you let me confirm for you whether it’s the real deal or not!

Est: Sweet Baby Sis - A

Balthus	Ah, Est! And Peony!
Hello, Balthus.		Est
Peony	So, how’d it go? Did the amulet work?
I’ll cut to the chase. This thing is the real deal! Probably.		Balthus
Est	You’re not kidding, are you? This amulet really grants wishes?
Eh, not quite. It doesn’t seem like it’ll grant any and every wish.		Balthus
Est	What does that mean?
I tucked it in my pocket and started making bets. On the small ones, I won. Mostly. Large bets... Well... Not so much.		Balthus
Peony	Let me get this right. What you’re saying is that it has a little power, so it bestows a little fortune?
Seems so. There’s no doubt at this point—the amulet has power. I don’t need an amulet, though. I prefer to rely on my own luck.		Balthus
Hilda	Are you sure? That doesn’t sound like the words of a man who’s bet and lost it all. Repeatedly.
Hilda! When did you get here?		Balthus
Hilda	It’s time for training, Baltie. Sorry about this big lug, ladies!
C’mon! I have a good feeling this time! Can’t we...		Balthus
Est	It’s the “real deal,” then...
Incredible, isn’t it? That it could bring forth good fortune?		Peony
Est	It is... Maybe it’s all thanks to this amulet that I survived my encounter with those pirates, and we made friends. What do you think?
You just might be right! Hee hee.		Peony

Est: Sweet Baby Sis - S

Catria	I never could have imagined that this amulet was so incredible...
Me either! But it does hold a mysterious power.		Est
Peony	I’ve heard a lot about it already... The Order of Heroes’ rumor mill is running at top speed!
Sure seems that way, doesn’t it?		Est
Peony	Who’s that trotting over now?
You are Est, I believe? The bearer of the remarkable amulet I’ve heard so very much about? The one that smooths one’s bumpy path through life, shall we say?		Oliver
Est	Uh... Did you want something?
Ah, yes! I am Oliver, duke of Tanas, a senator of Begnion, and a champion and ardent admirer of beauty!		Oliver
Est	Er, nice to meet you...
It is quite a beautiful thing, is it not? To grant fleeting, fickle wishes... You must give it to me, girl! None other is fit to be its guardian!		Oliver
Est	Uh, well... Actually... I don’t have it anymore.
You what?		Catria
Oliver	Surely no one else... Surely? Other than I... No!
No, I didn’t give it away to anybody. You know the cute little white owl perched on a branch? I offered up the amulet there.		Est
Oliver	An offering? The amulet? Why would you DO such a thing?
The amulet grants small wishes, right? But if enough small wishes are granted, that might amount to great happiness. I wanted to make sure the entire Order of Heroes could be happy, not just one person.		Est
Catria	Est...
Hmmm. If that’s the case, then I must withdraw with panache. May a bounty of wishes bless the beauteous.		Oliver
Peony	Well, that’s a relief. He seems to have gotten the picture.
I just hope that all of the Heroes find good fortune. And, of course, 【Summoner】 too.		Est
Catria	Well, I know that I feel lucky to have a little sister like you.
Me too, Catria! I feel lucky to BE your little sister!		Est
Peony	Even the smallest happiness is better than none. I hope that amulet can bring forth a lot of happiness.
Yes! My wish is that it brings a smile to everyone’s faces!		Est

Story
Previous: Book VI, Chapter 9: Part 5: Such a Weak Thing ←		Next: Brig. Boss: Known Criminal →

In other languages

Language	Name
Japanese	譲れぬ想いと共に
German	Herz und Seele
Spanish (Europe)	En cuerpo y alma
Spanish (Latin America)	En cuerpo y alma
French	Le cœur et l'âme
Italian	Anima e corpo
Traditional Chinese (Taiwan)	與絕不退讓的意志同在
Portuguese	Corpo e alma