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Chapter 3: Humans and Youkai
I've returned, Lady Yukari.
Good work. Your report, please.
Right. Firstly, the barrier. Rumors of its disappearance haven't spread far, it seems. No human or youkai factions have made any moves.
Additionally, I've performed some light repairs to the barrier around Mayoiga.
Leaving aside the barrier...
It seems bloodthirsty youkai have been popping up and making trouble in various locations.
I see. Things have gotten quite messy while I wasn't looking.
Next, the matter with the fairies...
Aside from the ones that attacked us, there don't seem to be any other unusually powerful fairies out there.
(So it's just those two, hmm...)
On the human side, I've heard two rumors. Firstly, of an amazing doctor whom has started living in the village recently, and secondly, of a new temple called "Myourenji".
Myourenji in particular has been the hot topic lately.
They seem to be preaching about the peaceful co-existance of humans and youkai.
Humans and youkai, co-existing...
This temple. Who is their leader?
Ostensibly, an avatar of Bishamonten resides there, but...
I suspect the temple's founder, Byakuren Hijiri, is the one in charge.
Byakuren... I'd like to speak with her, if only once.
This ought to be a good opportunity for her, as well.
We'll depart at once. Tell everyone to get ready. Ah, and don't forget about the items I prepared.
Understood.
We get a Iron Sword/Lance/Axe plus a Vulnerary for free. Pretty nice, some of our starter weapons are getting low, and we won't be getting shops for a few chapters.
--Myourenji
Please, stop!
But, Byakuren!
Those humans don't give a damn about us!
You've seen what they've said. What they've done.
...Are you really sticking up for them, despite all that?
That's not it at all! If we just talk things over, I'm sure we can work it all out.
So, please...!
You want us to keep putting up with this?
I just... I can't do that.
Murasa...
Chief, I really do think your dream is wonderful.
But, isn't time you did something for us youkai? Or Murasa, at least?
I... cannot.
So even Murasa crying her eyes out ain't enough for you, huh?
You really are siding with humans against us, aren't you!
...
Bah, Byakuren, you suck! Who even cares about this stupid temple!!
Nue heads off to the side.
Ngh!
I'm not as mad as Nue, but I'm not about to overlook things this time.
This time, we're handling it youkai-style.
Unzan, let's do it!
...
This time she dodges.
Gh!
...
Murasa... Are you...?
...Sorry, Byakuren.
Murasa misses too.
...I'm done with this.
Ichirin, Unzan, Nue. Let's go.
They walk off to the southeast corner.
...
If only... If only I was stronger.
Byakuren... you don't have shoulder this by yourself.
It's fine.
You are an avatar of Bishamonten. You ought to retain a neutral stance.
I am solely to blame for this incident. I'm sure that this too is a trial.
If you say so, then I'll stay in the main hall.
Please, do something for them.
Leave it to me.
...
So, what now?
Buncha youkai are here cuz of all the fuss.
...Who cares.
Hmmm.
In that case, I'mma have some fun.
---
Murasa?
...Yeah?
We've bumped heads with the chief before, but this is the first time we've ever really fought, huh.
Guess so.
Well, not much we can do at this point.
Let's just see how things play out.
---
Such numbers... but I can't rely on Shou for this.
I'm worried about Murasa and the others, but for now, I need to focus on this.
We've arrived at Myourenji.
What a splendid temple.
Looks like there's trouble brewing, though.
It's surrounded by youkai who're looking for blood.
This is quite different from how I heard it was.
Lady Yukari, how shall we proceed?
Right, let's see here-
Oh no! That lady is injured!
Wha- hey! Hold it!!
Shrine Maiden rushes forward.
...Oh dear. Let's provide her support while we head to Myourenji.
(I suspect that woman is Byakuren. I'll have to talk to her about this.)
And with that we have control. I've taken the liberty of pairing up our units.
Speaking of units, we have some new ones from last chapter!
Sunny Milk
Mischevious Sun Fairy
HP: 19
STR: 3
MAG: 4
SKL: 5
SPD: 3
LUK: 6
DEF: 3
RES: 3
Sunny's our first magic-user. Compared to the other two, she starts with the most balanced stats, but gradually will pull ahead in Speed and Skill. I suspect the combination of a low base with a high growth is meant to balance her third skill, as we'll see.
Skill wise, she has Break Time, which if you've forgotten, just means she can revive in a few chapters even if she's killed. Her second skill is Stealth, which makes her invisible to enemies more than 3 tiles away. Her last skill is the most interesting one, and it's completely unique to her: Steal.
Now you might think you know Stealing from FE games, but it is VERY different and VERY weird in this game. Let me just list out all the steps:
-Attack an enemy (must be adjacent to them)
-You MUST attack first (relevant if enemy has priority-manipulating skills like Ambush)
-You MUST hit them
-They MUST be able to counterattack you
-You MUST dodge their counterattack
If you do all that, then you can steal any item that enemy isn't currently equipping, including any extra weapons they might have. All-in-all, it's hard to use without save-scumming, but can be very lucrative if you can pull it off. Obviously static evade boosts like Shrine Maiden's Charisma skill are very useful for this.
Luna Child
Mischevious Moon Fairy
HP: 17
STR: 1
MAG: 5
SKL: 2
SPD: 2
LUK: 8
DEF: 1
RES: 6
The strong one. Highest base magic, highest growth too. Despite her low base speed, she actually has a solid speed growth. In general, she's the best of the three fairies at combat. Just like in her boss fight, she comes equipped a Lightning spell.
In addition to Break Time, she has Healer (which you might recall that Dai also had). It regens half her Magic in HP to units around her every turn. This works even if she's not in front of a Pair or Trinity, so it's very nice to have.
Star Sapphire
Mischevious Star Fairy
HP: 18
STR: 2
MAG: 3
SKL: 4
SPD: 5
LUK: 4
DEF: 3
RES: 1
The fast one, for now. Despite her high(...ish) base, she has a lower speed growth than Sunny, and lower promotion gains too. On the other hand, she has a higher magic growth. Weirdly, she has decent Defense, though she's by no means a tank. In general, probably the weakest of the three.
Skills-wise, she has Radar. In addition to letting her see 4 spaces further (including counteracting invisible units like Sunny), it boosts her Accuracy her 10%. I can't remember if it actually boosts anyone but her, so I'll try to keep an eye on it.
As well as reaching Byakuren, a secondary objective for this chapter is training up the three fairies. They start at level 1, and it's VERY easy for them to fall behind. Sunny's the only unit in the game who can Steal, so that's an awful lot of utility lost if you don't make an effort.
EXP gains are lower per-unit when you're Paired Up or in a Trinity, so it's going to take some effort.
The Yukari/Suika team are heading east to take on the enemies by our starting location.
Yukari CAN recruit Byakuren (who is currently an NPC), but we're gunna get SM to do it.
Enemies at this point are juuust strong enough to survive being doubled by Youki with the Bronze Lance. Perfect for weakening them for the fairies to pick off.
Luckily, most of these early enemies have poor accuracy, so between the Trinity bonuses and SM's Charisma, the three fairies can avoid more often than not.
The eastern enemies stay put, but the western enemies are all gunning for Byakuren right from the start.
Suika's cleaning up the southeast enemies.
I guess I can't complain about strength...
We're set up to reach Byakuren on turn 4. I'm leaving Youki here so he can clear out a couple fairies on the enemy phase. Don't want em reaching Byakuren, after all.
Nothing exciting happened besides two fairies dying, so let's Talk.
Hey! Are you okay!?
Who might you be?
Oh, I'm... uh...
A-anyway, I'm glad you're safe.
...?
Thank you kindly.
Just leave this to us!
You should hide in the temple!
I can't sit idly while you endanger yourself for me. I will fight, as well.
Also...
Yes?
Ah, pay me no heed.
Let us focus on the battle.
And with that, Byakuren joins the team.
Byakuren Hijiri
Mystic Priest of the Youkai Temple
HP: 19
STR: 1
MAG: 4
SKL: 6
SPD: 2
LUK: 2
DEF: 2
RES: 9
A stereotypical cleric, or "white mage" if you prefer jRPG terms. Access to staves, and if you missed the Three Fairies, your first magic-user. Kinda low-ish stats in general, though she's got good Resistance. As I've mentioned though, you get lots of EXP for healing in this game, so she'll probably be one of your better units just by throwing raw Levels into the blender.
Her first skill, Spirit Barrier, reduces all magical damage taken by 50%. I think it also reduces the odds of status-inflicting staves hitting you? Though I haven't extensively tested that. Her next skill is Recovery, which regenerates 30% of her maximum HP every turn. She can't exactly take spears to the face, but she's good at tanking magic.
More importantly, she's right in range of enemy units, so she moves a couple tiles right out of harm's way.
The Suika/Yukari duo have cleared up the southeastern enemies, so they're heading up to the middle. While recording this, I marked Murasa and Ichirin's ranges in red, for safety's sake. However, it turns out they won't actively move towards you, and only attack if you're right next to them.
Seeing how hard Shrine Maiden is kicking ass with Youki's help, it makes me think she can start flying solo...
Speaking of, some axe wolves are arriving from the east. Might be time to give Byakuren a spin.
First though, Yukari grabs a level with Strength(!), Skill, and Speed. I wish I knew how to datamine, so I could tell you exactly how blessed this Yukari is.
Conversely, Ran gets a single point of Skill.
This could not be any more backwards from my first playthrough of this game.
Anyway, we position Byakuren thusly, with Youki as her Stat Packpack™.
And what a Stat Packpack™ he is!
Byakuren takes a little damage...
...And likewise, deals a little damage.
Byakuren is not an offensive powerhouse, as you can see.
And there's Recovery proccing. At the very least, she'll win most battles of attrition.
Ran pops in with the Bronze Sword to soften the target up.
First blood for Byakuren 
.
...Though to be honest, you'd be getting more EXP for healing our knicks and scrapes.
Anyway, at the end of Player Phase 6...
Mrmm, I could've sworn I dropped it around here...
What a pain. It's your precious notepad, how clumsy do you have to be to lose it?
Hey, it's not my fault the wind picked up out of nowhere.
Anyway, you help look too, Hatate.
Maybe if you'll let me peek at your notes?
...I'll pass, thanks.
Figures. Well, hurry up before someone spots us.
Yeesh, I follow you on this silly excursion, and this is how things turn out.
Why's it so important we watch some idiots fight each other, anyway?
Hah, what're you talking about? There's no way I could've known a fight'd be brewing, y'know? Total happenstance!
Riiight. Why'd you think I even followed you, anyway?
Aha, busted? But I just wanna catch a peek, kay? Just a peek.
...One of these days I'm gunna stop doing you favors.
And what, go back to being a shut-in?
Ah, there it is! Now I can bring a report back with me.
The first battle of the Sage of the Gaps, Yukari Yakumo's new faction. I've no doubt this will become a big deal for us too, in due time.
We've got to maintain our surveillance of them, at all costs.
...I don't really know what you're planning, but I'm done following you around.
I'd rather not get dragged into this crap.
Right, sure, whatever. I guess we can head home for now.
I've got some solid notes down, so I'll call this good enough.
Yeah? Then let's get outta here already. Anything you stick your head into's bound to be trouble.
Hah! Glad you like me so much.
It wasn't a compliment, dummy!
They exit, stage left.
The enemy turn proceeds as usual.
And by usual, I mean Shrine Maiden tearing this fucker's head clean off.
It's all looking good going into turn 7, but then, SUDDENLY...
There they are!
Cirno, are we still doing this?
Let's just give it a rest.
No way! I aint holdin' this L!
I mean, I get that, but...
Those people are super strong. One of us might get really injured, you know?
It's cool! I was just going easy on em before, but this time I'm serious!
Plus, you've got my back, right? So I aint gotta thing to worry about!
C'mon Dai, let's rock!
Ah- Cirno, wait for me!
---
Hey, Sunny...
Yeah, I noticed.
Luna, Star, this time we'll make her say uncle!
Yeah!
Cirno's back, and she's got a Red Gem for us when we shoot her down. We'll be able to sell those eventually...
She starts Paired Up with Dai this time. 13 Speed is serious fucking business, so we'll need to watch out.
Also of note is this green fairy. She drops a basic Ice spell upon death, which we're gunna want. If we can swing stealing her healing staff that'd be nice, but I'm not going to stick my neck out for it.
Most of these eastern enemies either don't move, or aren't a threat, so we might as well move to intercept the fairy forces.
I can't remember if I've mentioned this or not (the joys of taking months to update) but the magic circle Yuyuko is on is giving her +3 Def/Res, and +20% Evade. She'll also recover 20% of her HP every turn while on it. Great terrain for brunting an enemy charge.
Not that there's much to brunt when you don't get hit 
.
Luna softens this fairy up...
So Byakuren can grab another kill.
As if Cirno's Ice Sword didn't already make this a No Flying Zone, this fairy has a Ghost Slaying Sword. The Yuyuko hate is real.
For whatever reason, the AI decided Dai was a better attacker than Cirno. Not sure why, but I won't complain.
Team Ran/Yuyuko kills that ghost hater, and Yuyuko gets this level in return: HP, Skill, Speed, Resistance.
Apparently this fairy also drops her Ghost Slaying Sword. We'll be needing that not too long from now, I assure you.
All this fairy talk has reminded me that I really want to be training the Three Fairies.
With that in mind, here's a Strength, Magic, Speed level from Sunny. The str is wasted but I'll glady take the other two.
By the way, whoever's in lead gets more EXP from kills, so Luna and Star are sitting at like 95 EXP each.
Byakuren moves back and gets a healer level: HP, Magic. If you were to add in res that'd be a typical level for her.
Cirno moves forward and attacks Ran.
Ran still had a Bronze Sword equipped, so against Cirno's naturally high stats, Pair Up bonuses, and weapon triangle disadvantage, she deals a mighty 1 damage in return.
Iron Sword performance is better, but not by much.
Seriously, do not underestimate Cirno. She will mess you up.
I would normally advise against this, but we need Suika's raw damage if we want to kill Cirno on this turn.
lmao just fuckign dodge haha
No dialogue for this sadly, but... well, it just feels right, y'know?
For slaying Cirno, Luna gets Speed, Defense, and Res. A weird level, but not unwelcome.
For some reason, Luna's portrait is like twice as big in the level up screen as everyone else's.
Gyaah!
Cirno!
I-I'll let you off easy this time!
Next time you won't be so lucky!!
Cirno! Jeeze, wait for me!
Aaand Dai retreats along with her.
Don't worry, we'll be seeing them again.
And again.
And again...
And again.............
While I'm moving units around to finish off the map, here's a bonus conversation between Yukari and Byakuren.
Might you be Byakuren Hijiri, perchance?
You're... Yukari Yakumo, I presume?
Yes, I am Byakuren.
I was hoping to discuss a few things with you, but...
Well, I don't suppose now's the right time for that.
My apologies.
Protecting this temple is my top priority.
Right. Let's draw the curtains on this act.
We can discuss things afterwords.
Ah, will you be lending us your aid?
Our child is already doing so, it would seem.
So it goes.
---
I knew we could get along...
Murasa, Ichirin, Nue...
And here's a Star level. Skill, Speed, Luck, Defense. Due to how Pair Up (and Trinity) bonuses scale, every point of Speed between the three musketeers here is important for letting Sunny steal shit, so I'm always happy for it.
Oh yeah, and we're finally close enough for Star's Radar to unveil Nue.
She's a cavalier-type lance-user with a Javelin. The 8 movement is scary, but luckily she doesn't move.
In the midst of weakening enemies so others can finish them, Big SM gets another phat level: HP, Magic, Skill, Speed, Luck, Defense, Resistance.
At this point it might be faster to just list the stats she doesn't get.
I'm skipping ahead to after I've cleared the remaining mooks. Safer to do that now, so we can handle this next bit in peace.
It's VERY IMPORTANT that you have Byakuren talk to each of Nue, Murasa, and Ichirin. Spoilers, I guess, but they have a long recruitment process that will be a complete non-starter if you don't do this now.
Nue! Won't you please come back to us?
What, and leave Murasa out to dry? Not happening.
So? Gunna play nice and "convince" me, or whatever?
...No, I don't believe now's the right time for that.
Wooow, so you DO learn!
Something those youkai said to you, maybe?
Their group is comprised of humans and youkai aiding each, without the barrier of their races impeding them.
I strongly believe they exemplify my ideals.
And I guess you wanna foist that crap on us, too?
Even though that's EXACTLY what hurt Murasa?
Well...
Yeah, not happening.
I'm not leaving her with you. Not when you're like that.
Nue...
Let's fight it out.
Just like how humans and youkai should. Bring it on!
Nue still won't move, but she'll totally attack Byakuren come enemy phase, so it's important to take her out now.
No particular dialogue for doing so just yet: we'll know we advanced their quest properly after we clear the chapter.
Also, Nue drops a Steel Lance. Very nice!
Ho-hum, no time limits means Battler has to fight VERY HARD to stop himself from grinding healers.
Skill, Speed, Luck, Defense, and Resistance, by the way.
Let's talk to Murasa.
Murasa...
...
Murasa tries to leave.
Please, wait!
There's just one thing I need to say.
...
...I'm sorry.
!
Honestly, I'm not sure what I can do to change your mind.
But... I'm going to find the right path, and once I do, I'll show you the way!
...Yeah.
Murasa shares Yuyuko's Ghost skill, and has a half-decent Defense score to go with the physical damage reduction, but otherwise isn't too dangerous. She does have an Ice Axe though, so she will ruin Yuyuko's day something fierce.
Suika gets HP, Speed, Luck, and Defense.
There's an early game quest that depends on Suika getting as swole as possible, so every point in every stat matters. And I do mean in EVERY stat. Even Luck!
...Especially Luck.
Ahoy cap'n, we be burnin' down the seas tonight!
HP, Magic, Skill, Speed, Luck, Resistance. This might as well be a perfect level up, as far as I'm concerned.
Wonder if this is absorbing all my gacha luck...
Oh yeah, and she drops her Ice Axe, as well. Flying enemies beware!
For the time being, Ichirin just looks like a generic speedy swordswoman. Weirdly high resistance, though. Nothing special, aside from her boosted strength from being Paired Up with Unzan.
Here's a neat (and/or scary) thing about Unzan. I won't get into the details, but Ichirin and Unzan have a fun skill combo that results in Unzan getting +4 to everything (on top of the +1 Ichirin naturally gives in her strong stats).
Ichirin!
Didn't think I'd see you out here, Chief.
I figured you were done sticking up for us youkai.
That's not it at all.
But for now, I'm thinking of joining with that group.
First time you'll be leaving since the temple went up, huh.
What brought that on?
I'm not really sure myself.
But, when I see them, I feel as though they hold some hint to reaching my dream.
Whatever it is, I'd like to see it for myself.
That'll be a big step for your dream, I guess.
Yes, and I'd like to take that step alongside you, if possible.
So, won't you please return to our temple?
...I've never been good at turning you down.
Oh! T-then, will you-
But, now's not the time.
Nue and I are one thing, but you can't convince Murasa, right?
Find a way to make up with Murasa. Until then, the rest of us aren't coming home.
Mmm...
Right. Talk's over.
Let's get back to what we were doing.
FIST
Not even the pink cloud man can stand up to Shrine Maiden's might.
He does, uh, kinda hit insanely hard, though.
A lucky crit from Luna does exactly the 12 damage needed to take him down.
This is the only Defeated sprite I will ever show you.
HP, Magic, Skill, Luck, Res. That's pretty normal for Luna.
I didn't manage to finish off Ichirin on the player phase, but she's not much of a threat without Unzan.
Especially if she just chugs a vulnerary.
With that, the map is done.
One last level for the road: HP, Magic, Skill, Res.
Fun fact: in the code this conversation is labeled GOOD_END. As opposed to the... BUD_END, apparently.
Oof, ouch.
Unzan, you okay?
Mm. Have you any injuries?
I'm fine, no worries.
...
Seems like the chief's partying up with that group.
We should find somewhere to go ourselves.
Where to?
Count me out for camping, thanks.
Mm, good point.
In that case, I've heard about a "Youkai Mecca" underground. Should we check it out?
Youkai Mecca??
Huh, sounds rad! Better than being cooped up in a lame old temple, at least.
Sound good to you, Murasa?
...Whatever works for you guys.
Awright! Highway to the underground, full speed ahead!
---
(Byakuren...)
And with that, the chapter abruptly ends. We don't even get a Chapter Clear logo, for whatever reason. I think the alternate dialogue triggers might have bugged it out?
In any case, talking things out with the youkai trio unlocked a gaiden chapter, so I'll see you next time for Chapter 3x!