Seafood Platter

Now die.

This is bad.

There's not a single living thing outside this city.

I don't think we're going to be able to restock our supplies here.

Anyone find anything?

Nothing on my end. The folks in the other parts of the city won't say a word either.

They react when they see food, but won't answer any of my questions.

Don't even bother asking them for supplies. I've been giving out bits of whatever rations I had on me.

Things were mostly the same for me. The only word that comes to mind when I look at these houses is 'miserable.'

Hard to imagine how the locals can even live here.

Aye, I've searched a few markets. Seems they're all long-abandoned.

Safe to say most people here haven't had a good meal in a long while.

Breaks my heart.

Yeah...

I followed someone to the coast, thinking I could find something there, but...

Hrrh... Hrrh...

He's just like the others, wandering aimlessly on the beach and sometimes digging through sand, as if there's food buried beneath.

Hungry...

Fins, shells, can eat.

Eat, eat.

...

Oh. That's rather...

That's... just sad...

Since there's nothing here that's of help, we should get out of here, quick.

Their customs are far too strange, and I don't think they're particularly friendly either...

...

This is just my guess.

The locals here haven't had a proper meal for too long. This led to them gradually growing numb to their surroundings.

If we make 'em something good to eat, maybe it'll bring them back to their senses, even if just a bit.

Seriously?

It's true. It's normal that you don't know this, but starvation and stress will slowly make you lose yourself.

Sounds like you're talking from experience.

...

If possible, I was hoping we could at least fill their bellies with a proper meal.

I don't mind the idea, but we need to find food for ourselves first. If not, we won't get very far. Right, Chilchuck?

Yeah, I suppose.

But let's make one thing clear. The reason we lost our supplies in the first place is because you all went crazy and wandered off in Sami, so don't expect me to do everything this time too!

Well, naturally.

Weary travelers, do you seek... sustenance?

Wait, you can understand us?

Yes.

Great! We—

Wait, Marcille. Don't you find it strange that he can when everyone else can't?

It is natural for you to be wary.

But fear not. I have come to offer you guidance.

Who the hell are you?

I am an itinerant priest, bringing the teachings of the sea to the masses.

What of you? You do not seem like Iberians. What brings you to Sal Viento?

We're looking to resupply for our journey.

I presume you have not made much progress on that?

...

No matter. Since we are here, we will not see you starve.

...'We'?

Yes. We are the church taking care of this city. All under our eaves are brethren.

Though you may be outsiders, if you are willing to follow our guidance, you too may join us.

We would not allow our own to go hungry.

(Sounds pretty shady...)

If we go with him to find food, won't this mean the townspeople can have a decent meal as well?

Don't say that like you're actually thinking of joining his kooky cult!

*cackle* The ocean's blessing is boundless. It will not mind sharing a sliver with you.

But, it is only for the strong and worthy.

What do you mean?

I bet it means he knows where the food is, but not everyone can make it out alive.

That is one way to interpret it.

I wouldn’t want to influence you into danger, it’s just—

Just tell us where it is. We're experienced adventurers. We can handle a little danger.

If you say so. Follow the coastline south. There will be a cave.

What you seek is within.

There's something fishy about that guy, Laios.

I know.

Then why'd you listen to him?

I have a hunch that whatever weird's going on in town is connected to the church he was talking about.

If we follow his 'guidance', it should lead us to something.

Besides, if there's an ambush waiting for us, I'm sure you'll notice beforehand!

Well, I guess you're right...

Hmm? That's—

A kraken! It's huge!

Laios, look out!

Calm down. I don't think it's moving any time soon.

Eh! It's already dead?

Wow! A kraken this huge... The church wasn't lying to us!

Look at its tentacles, its suckers, its sea anemone-like organs! This must be its... head?

I'd love to see what it looked like alive. It should be about the size of a tower and would've looked impressive.

...

Though it does taste rather nasty...

This isn't a kraken, though maybe they share a common ancestor.

My stomach's starting to hurt from going hungry...

Still, you shouldn't just eat things you know nothing about!

I agree, we shouldn't.

Eh?

Sea creatures can contain toxins after their death. Take crabs, for example. They can be contaminated by harmful bacteria, even if they haven't been dead for long.

If you really want to eat something...

We can see if there are any parasites still alive in there!

Gah! I shouldn't have gotten them started!

I've learned to just say nothing in times like these.

I do wonder though, who killed this giant creature? It must have been hard avoiding these tentacles...

Laios, hush. I hear something...

Eww... I feel kinda sick just looking at it.

It glows, even during the day... It's beautiful...

Absolutely not! I'm gonna throw it away!

What a waste... Say, what's that you threw it on?

...

What is that?

!!

Ah!

Is something wrong?

Laios, watch your step!

Oh! Seagrass?

Careful, lad. I don't think it's a good idea to step on it.

Hmm? Now that you mention it... I do feel a bit numb all over.

Avoid the seagrass as best you can, guys!

You say that, but there aren't many other places we can stand.

...

It looks like all the plants in this cave were actually monsters, huh?

There's no doubt about it. We're in the kraken's lair.

Which means all these things coming out from deeper in the cave must've lived alongside it.

Which means...

Fresh ingredients!

Marcille, can you use magic on the seagrass? Set it on fire, or something?

Huh?

Are you crazy?! If we make a fire, wouldn't that be like shouting 'Hey, over here!' to all the monsters?

Yeah, which is exactly why we're doing it.

The seagrass is spreading out from the depths of the cave. If we chased them in, we'd be at a disadvantage.

Better to use a fire and let them come to us.

Sounds like you really thought this through.

Don't worry, we're not going to take them head on. You can wait outside. Once we've gotten enough ingredients, we'll get out.

And if something does happen, you can come to our rescue.

Hmph. Whatever.

He must be going through a rebellious phase.

On a separate note, haven't you considered the remote possibility that I might not play along?

Eh?

*sigh* Fine. Cover your ears.