Fiery Expectations
On the recommendation of the Mysteria Academy of Magic, the Pyrotechnicians' Guild asks Elmott to help them create a new type of firework for the Fireworks Fair. Eager to live up to the faith placed in him, Elmott accepts the request and receives a yukata to wear on the day of the event.
One day, a letter is delivered to the Grandcypher.
Although otherwise an ordinary job request, one peculiar aspect stands out...
Elmott: The client asked for me by name?
Elmott: Wait, is that letter from Mysteria? Don't tell me they're beggin' me to come teach there again.
Lyria: No, it looks like the client belongs to a group called the Pyrotechnicians' Guild.
Lyria: According to the request, they want you to help them develop some new fireworks.
Elmott: Fireworks? Now I'm even more confused why they picked me.
Elmott: I mean, I like fireworks as much as the next guy, but I don't get what they expect me to do.
Vyrn: So what's the verdict? If you don't wanna go, you can always turn 'em down.
Elmott: Turn 'em down? Who said anything about that?
Elmott: No clue what their game is, but they sent the request 'cause they need my help.
Elmott: So I ain't got any reason to refuse. I'll do what I can to pitch in.
Lyria: Okay! Then let's set sail for the island!
(Captain) and the crew make their way to the island indicated in the letter.
Pyrotechnician 1: Thank you for coming, (Captain)! And you too, Elmott!
Pyrotechnician 1: I'm the Pyrotechnicians' Guild representative who sent the letter.
Pyrotechnician 2: So you're Elmott, the Flame Maestro! It's an honor to meet you!
Elmott: Huh? Who came up with that nickname?
Elmott: I dunno what made you single me out for this job, but I think there's been some kinda mix-up.
Pyrotechnician 1: Whatever do you mean!
Pyrotechnician 1: We heard all about you from everyone at the Mysteria Academy of Magic!
Elmott: I should've known...
Lyria: You talked to people from the academy?
Pyrotechnician 1: Yes. In fact, we originally went to the teachers at Mysteria with this request.
Pyrotechnician 1: Every year, members of the Pyrotechnicians' Guild from all over the skies gather on this island for an event called the Fireworks Fair.
Pyrotechnician 2: The fair is a place for us to show off our latest fireworks. It draws a large number of attendees, making it as lively as a festival.
Pyrotechnician 2: And with this being the fair's hundredth anniversary, our motivation is at an all-time high...
Mr. Bertrand: Hmm, I see. So you want to develop a new type of firework to commemorate the centennial of the Fireworks Fair.
Mr. Bertrand: And that's why you reached out to our school.
Pyrotechnician 1: Yes. We assumed that Mysteria Academy must have teachers highly proficient in fire magic.
Pyrotechnician 2: We need your help to create a brand-new, never-before-seen fireworks display!
Ms. Miranda: That sounds like quite a blast—literally! We'd love to lend a hand, wouldn't we, Mr. Bertrand?
Mr. Bertrand: Oh ho ho, yes indeed. We certainly have no shortage of teachers skilled in fire magic here at the academy.
Mr. Bertrand: That being said, one of our finest flame wielders happens to be away at the moment.
Pyrotechnician 1: Really? And who might that be?
Ms. Miranda: Oh! I know, I know!
Mr. Bertrand: I'm sure the other instructors and students would recommend him as well.
Mr. Bertrand: As luck would have it, a number of our students were taught by him previously. I suggest you speak with them.
Tsubasa: The best fire mage in the biz? Hmm... I guess that'd have to be ol' Blazin' Teach himself.
Tsubasa: Nobody can hold a candle to that guy when it comes to flames. He gets fired up in more ways than one.
Killa Taiga: You're awful honest when he ain't around. You some kinda Blazin' Teach fanboy?
Tsubasa: Huh? Quit talkin' out your ass, Taiga!
Yung Rintaro: Take it easy, Tsubasa!
Yung Rintaro: If you're lookin' for Teach, (Captain)'s crew oughta be able to get in touch with him for ya!
Pyrotechnician 1: A master of flames endorsed by both students and teachers at the Mysteria Academy of Magic, the pinnacle of sorcery itself...
Pyrotechnician 1: We thought certain that such a brilliant mage would be able to assist us, so we decided to offer you the job.
Vyrn: Wow! You're somethin' else, Elmott!
Lyria: Everyone at Mysteria must think so highly of you!
Elmott: Those damn softies, talkin' their mouths off like that behind my back...
Elmott: (I'd better deliver, or I'll make 'em look bad for vouchin' for me...)
Pyrotechnician 2: So Elmott... Will you accept our request?
Elmott: Sure, bring it on. Not like I was plannin' to turn you guys down in the first place.
Elmott: I've always had a soft spot for fireworks anyway. So since you asked, I'll whip up the most wicked flames you've ever seen.
Pyrotechnician 1: Wonderful—thank you so much! We look forward to working with you.
Pyrotechnician 2: Oh, I almost forgot! Hold on—I'll be right back!
Pyrotechnician 2: Here we are! This is for you, Elmott!
Elmott: What is this? A yukata?
Pyrotechnician 1: There's actually one more part to the request—we were hoping you'd act as our fuse lighter on the day of the fair.
Pyrotechnician 1: And we'd like you to wear this yukata for your role, if you wouldn't mind.
Pyrotechnician 2: It's woven from flame-retardant fibers, custom-made for the Pyrotechnicians' Guild!
Lyria: Wow, what a beautiful yukata! Why don't you try it on?
Elmott: Hah... Aren't ya gettin' ahead of yourselves? The fair's still a ways off.
Elmott: Still... it's pretty comfy.
- You look so cool!
- I can't wait for the fair!
Choose: You look so cool!Elmott: Thanks... Kinda embarrassing gettin' complimented to my face like that though...
Vyrn: But it really fits you to a tee! The red gives it that whole Elmott vibe!
Elmott: Ah... Yeah, the color's pretty nice. And if it's resistant to flames, then all the better.
Choose: I can't wait for the fair!Elmott: We're supposed to be entertainin' the guests here, y'know. It'd be wrong not to bring our A game.
Elmott: Still, I'd be lyin' if I said I wasn't kinda keyed up deep down.
Lyria: Hehe... You must be really excited, Elmott!
Elmott: Pssh. Nah, that ain't it.
Elmott: It's just, well...
Continue 1Elmott: I can't afford to drop the ball after they've done all this work. That's all there is to it.
Elmott's tone hints at annoyance as he gazes down at his yukata.
However, the smile playing on his lips suggests that he is not entirely displeased.
A Booming Success
While assisting the guild, Elmott meets a novice pyrotechnician who refuses to stop developing his fireworks despite injuring himself during testing. Learning that the man wants to prove his skills at the fair to gain the approval of his potential in-laws, Elmott looks over his blueprints and instructs him to follow as he walks off.
Elmott agrees to assist the Pyrotechnicians' Guild in creating a new type of firework for their Fireworks Fair.
The following day, they immediately set to work experimenting on the grasslands situated in the center of the island.
Elmott: Ah, I get it. So the momentum drops when it switches to the second round of gunpowder.
Elmott: In that case, how 'bout we tweak it so the flames don't dwindle right before ignition?
Pyrotechnician 1: I see... Then if we move up the enchantment that was timed for right after the swap...
Elmott: Heh-heh... Not too shabby.
Pyrotechnician 2: Excuse me, Elmott! I have a question about how to change the color of these fireworks...
Elmott: 'Kay, hang on a sec. I'll join ya as soon as I'm done here.
Vyrn: Haha. Elmott's definitely pullin' his own weight!
Lyria: Especially considering he said he didn't know much about fireworks!
Pyrotechnician 1: His extensive knowledge about the properties of gunpowder has been a great boon.
Pyrotechnician 2: At this rate, we should have no trouble creating fireworks worthy of the fair's hundredth anniversary!
Thanks to Elmott's expert guidance, the pyrotechnicians make swift progress on their fireworks.
However, their work is suddenly interrupted by the sound of an explosion in the distance.
Elmott: What was all that racket? It came from the forest over there.
Vyrn: You don't think somebody's settin' off fireworks in the middle of the woods, do ya?
Pyrotechnician 1: No, that would be far too dangerous. And all pyrotechnicians should have been assigned to this field for their work.
Pyrotechnician 2: Wait, don't tell me it's... him?
Lyria: L-let's go take a look! We don't want a fire to start!
(Captain) and company hurry into the forest with the pyrotechnicians close behind.
Young Man: Ouch... Dammit, I screwed up...
There they find a soot-covered man sitting next to a small scorch mark on the ground, surrounded by materials for fireworks.
Vyrn: Hey, you okay? You're not hurt, are ya?
Elmott: Looks like the fire didn't spread. We're lucky there ain't dead trees around here this time of year.
Elmott: So... the hell were you doin'?
Young Man: W-well, you see...
Pyrotechnician 2: Aha, I knew it was you! I thought the doctor told you to rest!
Pyrotechnician 1: What were you thinking, testing fireworks in a forest! Something awful could have happened!
Pyrotechnician 1: And I'm not just referring to the risk of fire—you might not escape with your life next time.
Young Man: ...
Pyrotechnician 1: As I've said repeatedly, you need to give up on this year's fair. Focus your efforts on recovering, and try again next time.
Pyrotechnician 1: Now then, we'll be confiscating these materials. I don't want you doing anything so foolish again.
Pyrotechnician 2: I'm terribly sorry for startling you and your friends, Elmott.
Elmott: Nah, we're good. But...
Elmott glances at the novice pyrotechnician hanging his head in frustration.
Elmott: I kinda wanna know what that was about. Think it'd be okay if we had a quick chat with him before headin' back?
Pyrotechnician 1: W-well... Yes, all right. We'll call you again if anything else comes up.
The pyrotechnicians collect the scattered supplies and take their leave.
Soon the only people in the forest are the crew and downcast man, who heaves a deep sigh.
Elmott: Looks like you're still on the mend, so why'd ya do somethin' so crazy? You could've dragged everybody else into your mess.
Elmott: Even if you can't open up to the other pyrotechnicians, there ain't no harm in tellin' us outsiders, is there?
Young Man: I suppose you're right...
At Elmott's words, the man sighs again and begins to speak.
Pyro Novice: Er... As you may have guessed, I'm a member of the Pyrotechnicians' Guild. Though I'm still a novice.
Pyro Novice: I was working on some new fireworks for this year's fair... but I ended up seriously injuring my arm in an accident.
Pyro Novice: The doctor told me to rest until my arm healed, and I was even removed from the list of exhibitors for the event.
Pyro Novice: But I just couldn't bring myself to throw in the towel... so I've been secretly testing my new fireworks here in the forest.
Elmott: You bonehead. If the doctor said no, then you just gotta suck it up and deal.
Elmott: Mess around with fire and gunpowder, and you could really hurt somebody. You get that, don't ya?
Pyro Novice: Yes, I'm well aware.
Elmott: The fair comes around every year, right? Just wait 'til the next one to make your fireworks.
Pyro Novice: Unfortunately, it's not that simple. You see... there's a woman I've proposed to.
Pyro Novice: But her parents don't want her marrying someone like me who's still wet behind the ears.
Pyro Novice: So my only option is to prove my pyrotechnical skills at the upcoming fair. I simply can't put it off any longer.
Elmott: That's noble of you and all, but I bet your lady wouldn't want ya burnin' yourself out like this.
Lyria: Then again... I can understand why you'd be in a hurry.
Lyria: Maybe you could share your ideas with the other pyrotechnicians and ask them to make the fireworks for you?
Lyria: Then you'd have something to present at the fair...
Pyro Novice: That's not really possible, I'm afraid. There are no pyrotechnicians with the spare time to craft someone else's fireworks right now.
Pyro Novice: So I have to do it myself, even if it means pushing through the pain—
Elmott: So basically, you just gotta rope in somebody who ain't a pyrotechnician.
Elmott: Well then, that's easy.
Pyro Novice: ...?
Elmott: So? Where're the blueprints?
Pyro Novice: R-right here...
Elmott: Hmm...
Elmott: Looks like you were plannin' to make some pretty sick fireworks for a rookie.
Elmott: Not bad... Count me in.
With this, Elmott turns to face (Captain).
Elmott: Listen up, (Captain). I'll be away from the ship 'til the fair, but that's no excuse to stay up late, got it?
Elmott: C'mon, you.
Without waiting for a reply, Elmott strides off.
The pyrotechnician follows after him, looking thoroughly perplexed.
A Booming Success: Scene 2
Borrowing materials from the guild, Elmott enlists the novice pyrotechnician as his assistant and sets to work implementing his blueprints. Elmott admits that he, too, wants to create amazing fireworks in order to impress the people who vouched for him, a revelation that lights a fire under the novice pyrotechnician.
Elmott heads off with the still-bewildered novice in tow.
Together they make their way to the grassland area where the other pyrotechnicians are gathered.
Pyrotechnician 1: Oh, Elmott! This year's fair is shaping up to be a resounding success thanks to you!
Elmott: Glad to hear it.
Elmott: So... not that you guys owe me or anything, but can I ask for a small favor?
Pyrotechnician 2: We couldn't possibly refuse a request from you, Elmott!
Pyrotechnician 2: If there's something we can assist with, please—ask away!
Elmott: Then I'll cut straight to the chase. I'd like ya to set me up with a workspace and some gear for makin' fireworks.
Elmott: Watching you guys pluggin' away has got me itchin' to give it a whirl myself.
Pyrotechnician 1: Oh, I see! We'd be happy to provide the materials and workspace, so feel free to utilize them.
Pyrotechnician 2: Are you sure you can manage alone? I know you're adept at handling gunpowder, but still...
Elmott: I've got an assistant to help me, so no worries. Anyway, 'preciate the hookup.
Elmott: All right. The fair's just around the corner, so we'd better get a move on.
Pyro Novice: Er, Elmott... When you mentioned an assistant, were you referring to me?
Pyro Novice: If so, you should know that I might not be able to contribute much with my arm out of commission...
Elmott: What're you blabbin' about? I ain't gonna put somebody hurt to work.
Elmott: But I dunno the first thing about makin' fireworks. Readin' the blueprints doesn't mean I can put 'em together.
Elmott: All you gotta do is chip in from the sidelines. I'll handle the hands-on stuff.
Elmott: After all, nobody knows your fireworks better than you. So I'll be countin' on ya for directions.
Pyro Novice: ...!
Don't tell me...
Elmott: Enough yappin'. Let's get this show on the road.
Pyro Novice: Y-yes, of course! I'm ready when you are!
Thus, Elmott begins constructing the fireworks according to the novice pyrotechnician's plans.
Owing to Elmott's skill—which far surpasses that of a typical amateur—their work progresses smoothly.
Pyro Novice: Are you really sure about this?
Elmott: Huh? Sure about what?
Pyro Novice: On top of giving advice to the others, you're even helping me craft my fireworks...
Elmott: Hmph. I'm just doin' my own thing, that's all.
Elmott: And don't get it twisted—I ain't helpin' ya outta pity or anything.
Elmott: I've got folks to impress myself. Your whole thing just happened to come along at the right time.
Pyro Novice: Folks to impress? Does that mean you want to show someone your fireworks too?
Elmott: Well, yeah.
Elmott: The whole reason I got this fireworks gig is 'cause some guys at Mysteria Academy put in a good word for me.
Elmott: They pitched me so hard, they had everybody thinkin' I was a genius or something...
Pyro Novice: ...
Elmott: Everybody's hated my flames since forever. I always thought that was just the way it was.
Elmott: But then—whaddya know? I found a bunch of weirdos who actually liked 'em. Suddenly, there were folks who needed me.
Elmott: They bragged on me to other people, sayin' my flames were amazing.
Elmott: Seein' as how they've put so much faith in me, I gotta bust my butt to make sure they don't regret it.
Elmott: That's why I wanna knock the socks off of everybody at the fair too.
Pyro Novice: Elmott...
Elmott: Hmph. Ran my mouth too much.
Elmott: Don't breathe a word of what I just said to (Captain) and the others.
Elmott: You oughta see the goofy grins they get on their faces when they catch wind of stuff like this.
Pyro Novice: Not to worry! I won't tell a soul!
Pyro Novice: We'll work together to create the greatest fireworks of the entire fair!
Elmott: Did you actually get what I was sayin'?
Pyro Novice: Yes, I did! Your words are precisely why I'm feeling more motivated than ever before!
Pyro Novice: Let's make these fireworks something that our loved ones can be proud of!
Elmott: Tch... You sure come on strong. Time's runnin' out, so let's get crackin'.
Pyro Novice: Right!
The pyrotechnician replies cheerfully, unfazed by Elmott's sigh.
With that, the pair return to their work.
A Booming Success: Scene 3
Serving as fireworks lighter for the fair, Elmott sets off the magnificent display he created with the novice pyrotechnician, earning high praises from the Mysteria Academy members in attendance. Having received permission to wed his fiancee, the novice pyrotechnician offers a tearful thanks, and Elmott returns to the ship wearing a satisfied smile.
On the day of the Fireworks Fair, (Captain) and the crew join the crowd of guests from various other islands.
A stage stands in the center of the grounds, where Elmott lights the fuses of the newly created fireworks, one after another.
Elmott: 'Kay, now to load the next round... Burn, baby, burn!
Lyria: Wow... The fireworks are all so pretty!
Vyrn: Looks like the next ones up are Elmott's!
Elmott: All right, you fireworks! Time to go out in an artistic blaze of glory!
Lyria: Oh my goodness! It's like a rainbow-colored sun is rising in the sky!
Vyrn: That's our Elmott! He cooked up some real fancy fireworks!
Elmott: Heh-heh-heh! There it is—the ultimate inferno!
Elmott: Shine even brighter, burn even hotter! Here comes the next one!
After the fireworks show, (Captain) and company head over to meet up with Elmott.
They arrive to find the guests from the Mysteria Academy of Magic already assembled.
Elmott: Tch... I had a feeling they'd show up...
Lyria: (Captain) invited them! We wanted everyone at Mysteria to share in your big moment too!
Vyrn: The other pyrotechs were all for the idea, so we went to fetch 'em ourselves!
Elmott: Seriously? Sheesh, nobody asked ya to do somethin' like that...
Ms. Miranda: Hehe. It's all thanks to (Captain) and the crew that we were able to enjoy this lovely festival!
Ms. Miranda: Your fireworks were absolutely stunning, Elmott. I couldn't take my eyes off them!
Mr. Bertrand: Oh ho ho. Yes, you certainly held your own against the pyrotechnicians. It was truly splendid work.
Mr. Bertrand: Crafting something of that caliber must have been quite the challenge, even for you.
Elmott: I didn't come up with the design or nothin'. The pyrotechnician I teamed up with is just that good.
Tsubasa: Don't sell yourself short, Blazin' Teach. Those fireworks were so massive, it was like the whole night sky was ablaze...
Elmott: Huh? Listen to you, dishin' out the compliments.
Tsubasa: That wasn't a compliment! Ain't no way we're gonna let you outshine us when it comes to flames!
Killa Taiga: But Tsubasa, weren't you just sayin' we needed to get to where we could make flames just as epic as him?
Yung Rintaro: Wait, Taiga! Tsubasa told us to keep that a secret!
Lyria: Hehe. Elmott's flames really are beautiful, aren't they? I can see why you'd admire them!
Tsubasa: You got the wrong idea!
Elmott: Heh-heh... All this praise for my flames? I must've gone soft myself...
Elmott is approached by a steady stream of admirers who shower him with accolades.
As the crowd finally begins to thin, the novice pyrotechnician rushes up to Elmott, his face streaked with tears.
Pyro Novice: Elmott! Thank you... Thank you so much!
Elmott: Sure thing. Guessin' it all panned out?
Pyro Novice: Yes. Because you listed me as a cocreator.
Pyro Novice: Thanks to you, I was able to show my fiancee's parents fireworks with my name attached to them.
Elmott: Ain't nothin' to thank me for. I used your blueprints to make 'em, so of course I was gonna credit ya.
Elmott: Your skill is the whole reason those fireworks stole the show. You oughta hold your head high.
Pyro Novice: But you're the one who perfected them. It really is all thanks to you.
Elmott: Tch... All right already. You don't gotta keep sayin' it.
Elmott: Anyway... Isn't that your fiancee lookin' this way?
Elmott: You finally got the green light from her folks. So don't leave her hangin'—get over there.
Pyro Novice: R-right! I'll make sure to express my gratitude properly at a later date!
Elmott: Don't worry about it. Now, off with ya.
Elmott: Man, I really went full-on busybody this time around, didn't I?
- Happy things worked out?
- You really are a nice guy.
Choose: Happy things worked out?Elmott: Huh? Nah, it ain't like that.
Elmott: I'm just relieved the job went off without a hitch.
Lyria: Hehe. You say that, but you're all smiles!
Vyrn: You seemed a little on edge 'til that guy showed up.
Vyrn: Truth is you were worried, weren't ya?
Elmott: Tch... No foolin' your eyes, is there, lizard?
Choose: You really are a nice guy.Elmott: Not like I was helpin' outta the goodness of my heart. I just wanted to try my hand at makin' fireworks.
Elmott: But I couldn't draw up the plans. Then who should come along but some guy with blueprints at the ready and a bum arm.
Vyrn: You say that, but you were worried about him the whole time, weren't ya?
Vyrn: Your face was kinda tense at first when ya saw him cryin'.
Lyria: We know just how hard you've been working! You should be proud!
Elmott: Sheesh... Fine, let's just leave it at that.
Continue 1Elmott: Aight. I did what I came to do, so I'm gonna head back to the ship before it gets too late, (Captain).
Cutting the conversation short, Elmott turns to return to the Grandcypher ahead of the crew.
However, the satisfied smile on his face does not escape (Captain)'s notice.