Originally Posted by
Petrikow
Douman announces his intentions to stay on the ship for the duration of the next area. Your other Servants are a bit suspicious, prompting Yan Qing to also remain. And so begins your second day in the Singularity.
When you arrive, there seem to be a variety of sea vessels harbored in the area. This area has a lot of attractions which makes Asclepius leer in excitement of the danger they might pose.
You are greeted by Erice, who is wearing a sailor uniform. She's the area's manager, and was waiting for your arrival. Though honestly, this is more something Karin would be good at... Anyway, for some reason things aren't going smoothly in her area. Customers just aren't coming. On a comparative level, maybe like 2 chilies of spiciness on a take-out menu. That doesn't seem very hot at first... but considering Erice's spice tolerance level, it probably is!
In any case, Erice needs help to get the area in order. Lady Avalon says she'll fix it up no problem, she's Merlin younger sister, so basically everyone's younger sister. Anyway, let's start by assessing the situation. Erice leads the way. She explains her area is basically a water attraction; a sea world.
The first of her attractions is the "Titanic Eight-ship Leap", where the customers get to experience the joy of leaping from prow to prow on consecutively sinking ships. One truly must be of Ushiwakamaru's caliber to clear it. Oh, there's a challenger! Mandricardo jumps a few times before sinking. He complains: this is impossible! Or maybe it just proves he's not cut out to be a hero after all. He starts sinking into the water, and Asclepius jumps in after him to save him.
Erice confesses only 1 person has beaten the attraction so far: here's her souvenir photograph. It's Ushiwakamaru. So basically, it's way too difficult. Erice says she'd obviously set it to that level if heroes are going to be challenging it. You note the majority of customers are polar bears, not heroes, but regardless, you get the gist. Onto the next attraction.
This one is called "Pirates of the Polarian". It's like a pirate battle simulator using the actual sea as its stage. You get to choose your own crew, and all ships have their own parameters- Hold on there! Blackbeard, Bart, Mary and Ann appear, lodging complaints about how weak their ships are. And why is Drake's ship so overpowered? Everyone would pick that one! Erice innocently explains it's because Sir Drake is the coolest; also, the most accomplished in actual history! This manager might be a bit biased. Regardless, this game might be a bit lopsided because of this, reasons Lady Avalon.
Erice explains in ever more desperation how the next attraction is something she has confidence in, promise!! It's called the "Argonaut Adventures"! Asclepius raises an eyebrow. Anyway, this attraction lets you experience being a part of the Argonaut's adventures as part of its crew. It's supposed to her main attraction, but... just like usual nobody is there. Anyway first let's introduce the main-crew! Behold, Captain Jason! Up wanders a demure Voyager:
i am captain jason
---
So, not the real Jason, concludes Asclepius. Erice admits shamefully that she had intended on having the original crew, but they bailed on her. Voyager says he might not measure up to the original, but he'll always help Erice out if she's in need. Also, Jason is a proud soul, who aimed for the stars just as he does.
Erice introduces the next member, Herakles. Tiny bear Orion appears, confident he can act out the role. Why are there no female customers, though? Herakles had to have muscles, so Orion was perfect but, the human one ran off.
Next up: the swift-footed Atalante. Up comes Robin Hood, who is not sure why he was chosen; wouldn't Sheba or Nikitich have been better? No, animal ears are not what defines Atalante, Erice explains. Robin Hood protests, nothing aside from being a hunter fits with him anyway!
Moving on, Castor and Pollux: up comes the young and old Li Shuwen. They call each other by sister and brother... Well, they're good at punching, so they had to do, don't question it!
Finally! The role of Asclepius! Not the real one over there, but this one: Jack the Ripper! No dissection today, just surgery. Right, because of their skill. The real Asclepius feels offended, he's not just a surgeon! Though he does see promise in Jack's handling of the scalpel.
Anyway, that's everyone. Erice tried to get a hold of Caenis too, but couldn't find either them or a replacement. So, now its time to actually experience the attraction. And what luck, it appears nobody has booked the next slot, what a coincidence! Let's get going. Erice asks her crew to do their best, to which comes a half-assed response.
--- [Battle against <The Argonauts?>] ---
S-so, how was it? Well, pretty enjoyable, you suppose. Gareth thinks they should try a bit better next time! Asclepius lays it down: it sucked. Erice gets flustered at how hard the real Argonaut dissed it. Though she kinda figured. There's not much more you can do without the real deal.
Lady Avalon thinks it not beyond saving though: if Master found it enjoyable, maybe its pretty close to being a success, just needs a few adjustments. Asclepius adds that the casting is completely off. Sure, you might need stand-ins, but at least pick good ones.
What's with that Castor and Pollux anyway? These guys might made for a good Idas and Lynkeus, but not the Dioscuri. The Li Shuwens think it over: what a good idea!
Next, Robin Hood is a bandit, so he should obviously play Autolykos, not Atalante. Right, the child of Hermes, master of thieves! Erice suddenly realizes all she's overlooked. Need-to-interrogate-Asclepius-about-real-Argonauts... No, restrain yourself, Erice.
Orion demands he's next, and Asclepius thinks he'll do as Meleagros. Wait, who's that? It's the guy who made moves on Atalante despite being married. Wait, that's it?!
Asclepius looks at Voyager. Admetus, Jason's cousin, will have to do. Their hair color was about the same. And remember, Admetus was the one who had to keep Apollo in servitude after his punishment by Zeus for killing Delphyne. Remember to be as cruel as you can if the chance ever comes. The Jason role was a bit difficult after all. Jason might seem like just a loudmouth, but he's real competent in reality, and hard to find a replacement for.
Suddenly, Jason himself appears, and Asclepius stops his praise. Wait, why is he here, was he listening? N-not really, just passing by. Anyway, if you have praise, say so directly! Asclepius denies ever doing so. Regardless, this won't do if you're gonna claim to be the Argonauts. Erice seems intensely apologetic, but Jason cheers her up. Not to worry, he'll participate! Can't let his the reputation of his Argonaut be ruined.
He calls out to the other people watching. Atalante jumps down and shows herself. Leaving all this to Jason doesn't sit well with her either. She looks at Jack, and says she can't have children be forced to work in her place either. Wasn't really forced, but okay. Well then, says Atalante, how about your new work be bringing your friends over? Jack agrees and runs off.
Erice is overjoyed, now this attraction will surely be a success! Gareth thanks Asclepius for his help, but he denies having done much at all. Gareth insists, its that whole thing about health of the body coming from a sound mind! Asclepius finds the notion interesting. Maybe he should observe this attraction some more...
But they have to get going to the next one. Your stomach rumbles. Seems its time to eat. Onto the food courts.
---
The sheer spiciness of the food has left your tongue burning. Asclepius finds the pain interesting, but he already knows the cure: drink some milk.
Erice doesn't think much of the menu, was it weird? Maybe a bit too aligned with her tastes. Hildr thinks maybe the menu is a bit too lopsided: it was basically all the same flavor: Super Spicy Ice Cream, Killer Churros, Lava Waffles, 100% Habanero Juice. Might be part of the reason why this place isn't all that popular. Erice is shocked, she prepared such variation in the type of chilies used though!
Well, its fine, you already called for a helper. You flashback to Beni-Enma arriving at the scene who assessed the situation as the very opposite of hospitality. She'll probably fix it up. Erice mutters that at least Caren and Arjuna Alter seemed to like it... and that weird priest who she's never seen in Chaldea before.
Anyway, lets get to the next attraction. Right, Erice has confidence this one doesn't need improvement, promise! It's the most popular one in the area, and her main source of revenue: the "Nautilus Underwater Expedition"!
When you arrive, Erice explains: this attraction is similar to the Argonaut one, but takes place on the bottom of the ocean instead. It's using a technique that makes it possible to give everyone an avatar so they can experience it firsthand as Captain Nemo himself! You look around at your party, who have all been replaced by various Nemo Marines avatars, with you as the Captain.
How was this accomplished. Nemo Professor (the real one) introduces herself. Right, the originals are the ones who helped out with this one. Erice paid no expense to make sure this one was a success! Look there are tons of customers here! That's true but...
The Nemo Marines are being worked hard trying to keep up with the demand. Lady Avalon realizes its because the other attractions have so few customers that this own gets overcrowded. Erice knows its a problem, but she gives out extra compensation for the increased workload, promise! This is not illegal! Even breaks too, or well that's the intent, but the Marines cannot not work, that's just how they're designed. The Captain himself had to be restrained to a bed to stop him from overworking and collapsing.
Maybe it's best to stop this attraction for a little bit? Erice understands, but its hard to find a window when there are so many customers coming. In any case, sure, stop it after the next customer!
Some time later, the attraction is stopped and the Marines can breathe easy. Suddenly, Skadi comes in with a transmission. She just wanted to call because she had to give her new Valkyries a break at Ericeland. Ers, Örun and Rindr appear in quick order. They introduce themselves, excited at the underwater expedition. Don't worry though, they know who everyone else is. Gareth feels a bit suspicious at that statement.
Might as well make this clear: they aren't here to fight. Just like Skadi said, this is just a break. Gareth continues being suspicious. Skadi says she has no intention of anyone getting hurt at her Summer World. She then adresses Erice: but understand that if her Valkyries find anything being handled poorly, she'll have to take to measures. Seems they gotta get the whole attraction spinning again, despite how hard that'll prove for the Marines.
You, with your new avatars, offer to help out.
Professor announces that the Nautilus has arrived at Point C3, coughing a bit. Skadi suspects she hasn't been given enough breaks, to which Asclepius quickly slips her some throat medicine. Skadi's suspicions are allayed, and she continues to enjoy the underwater sights, even if only through her transmission line.
The Valkyries think its an interesting attraction, but shouldn't it have more variety? The Marines quickly swerve into the next thing: an underwater castle. But they can't enter this underwater, are there really no physical, direct events on this attraction?
They arrive at the "giant octopus lair", where one may learn the true identity of the monster who attacked the Nautilus! Suddenly, you are attacked by one of the octopuses, The new Valkyries tell you to let them handle it.
--- [Battle against <Octopuses> (Valkyries as forced support + Nautilus as special Mystic Code)] ---
Both the Valkyries and Skadi seem pleased by the attraction. Skadi was a bit worried given the bad revenue, but this will do. Feel free to ask her for help if it's about mana though. Skadi cuts out. Ers warns Erice to keep the illegal work practices down, though they'll overlook it for now. Rindr is disappointed she won't be able to cook the octopus they killed, but is dragged off.
As you arrive back to the surface, Erice is relieved. Anyway, you might've been excused by Skadi for now, but this needs improvements as well. You might've gotten the Argonaut attraction back in shape, but that's not enough--wait, the Marines have frozen up. Nemo comes stumbling forward, they've hit their operational limit. Gotta work... gotta work...
Erice finally calls off their activities for good. She can't let heroes work themselves so hard for her. She has to think of some way of doing this without overworking them. Asclepius says that's the right decision. If she lets them rest now, there's still the chance of recovery. Other bosses might've not been so forgiving. But most important of all, here exists a doctor who can care for them: Asclepius himself.
He has already prepared medicine to take care of their exhaustion. He takes out a comically over-sized needle. Nemo looks at it suspiciously and tries to back off. Stop, don't escape from getting your treatment! The doctor won't allow it!
--- [Battle against <Nemo>] ---
Nemo collapses on the floor. Asclepius declares his treatment over. They'll be completely recovered once they wake up again. With this, the two successful attractions might be enough to keep Ericeland afloat. But still, something needs to change.
Lady Avalon suggests to do some adjustments to the avatar system, since it means the Marines have to always be close for it to work. If they can make it so only one needs to be close it'd make things much more efficient, as the rest can rest in the meantime. You can leave stuff like that to the master of illusions, Lady Avalon!
Sometime later, Erice reports her other attractions and the menu in the food court have gotten far better thanks to your help. No more exclusively spicy menu.
Erice asks what you're going to do from now on. You'll return to the boat and report to Goredolf, after which you'll head to the next area. Erice asks if you can bring her with you, in that case. She realizes she's not yet cut out to be a manager, and wants to look at some of the other areas for help. With Jason and Nemo here at Ericeland, things will be relatively stable for the time being. Everyone is in agreement with her coming with you.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
