The 13th Entity's Guide to: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.hack//~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~OUTBREAK~~~~~~~~~~~~~ version 1.0 The author can be contacted at but, please no spam. \^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^/ < Itenuary (aka. Table of Contents): > < > < I. FAQ Info > < II. Controls > < III. Entity's Corner (Storyline in my words) > < IV. Walkthrough > < ______A. Mending Broken Spirits > < ______1. The Few, the Fragile > < ______2. A Little Help TO My Friends > < ______3. A Wise Man and a Gamble > < ______4. Profit Versus Prophet > < ______B. Gathering World's Pool of Resources > < ______1. Oh Yeah . . . That Guy > < ______2. A Growing Shadow > < ______3. Lios the Ally > < ______4. Rumors and Mysteries > < ______5. For All That Comes Together > < ______C. Testing Contained Aftermath > < ______1. Planners and Schemers > < ______2. Wrapped for Containment > < V. Perfect Game Checklist > < ______1. Book of 1000 > < ______2. The Checklist > < VI. Items And Moves > < VII. Q&A > < VIII. Legal Stuff > < IX. Many Thanks > /vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv\ To use this guide, you can use ctrl+F (or Command+F on a Mac) to search for the section titles as provided above. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I. FAQ Info ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ July 17, 2009 Project .hack continues in more ways than one. The four-part series known as .hack//I.M.O.Q. is being covered by yours truly in its entirety. I mean for this to be a consistent and fully detailed enough where you can follow all four volumes from start to finish. //Outbreak is the third volume of this quadrilogy (let's pretend that's a real word). Just like how I wrote the guides for the G.U. trilogy, this guide will assume you have followed my guidance through the previous volumes and are using the Convert option on the Clear Data (aka. Data Flag). If not, then the game's gameplay shouldn't change too much until I call for using an optional character from //Infection or //Mutation. I aim to make this game as easy for you as possible, but feel free to add as much difficulty as you would prefer. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ II. Controls ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Please read the manual if you've a copy of it. Otherwise: -------------Terms------------- GP - Game currency. You need this to buy stuff. Exp - Experience. It takes 1000 experience to get from one level to the next. The higher you get, the less Exp a monster will be worth until either you hit max level or until the monster you're comparing is worth 1 EXP a kill. Lv - Level. The max is 99, though we'll see as high as 70-72 by the end of the third volume. Maybe higher if you're patient enough. Party - You play mainly as Kite. As you gain Member Addresses, you can invite up to two more people at a time if they are available. Desktop - This game has two modes. One is the main where you walk around and interact with other characters in a simulated MMORPG called The World. The other is the desktop, which is like a big menu full of options for you to explore. This provides a number of things to help play the game. Affection - Capped at 750 in Volume 3, this measures how much a character will like Kite. However, unlike in G.U., this will only affect the Ryu Books instead of leading to a big event in the end. Of course, it affects the email chains you get from Kite's friends as well. Higher affection will allow for newer messages to appear as long as there are messages to be received. HP - The health your characters have. It's Game Over if everyone is dead. SP - Skill Points. The more you have, the more often you can use skills. Attack - Your attacks' damage is based on this. Defense - Your ability to resist attacks is based on this. Accuracy - Your ability to hit the target, obviously. Evade - Raising this increases your chance to be missed by an enemy's attack. * Attack, Defense, Accuracy, and Evade each have two listings. The first is the Physical, and the second is the Magical. So, if you have 99 Physical Defense but like 1 Magical Defense, and a spell comes your way, then you can count on it doing damage to you big time. That is, unless your stat for that spell's Element is high enough. Element - Fire, Water, Earth, Wood, Thunder, Darkness, Spirit, and Body. The six excluding Body and Spirit are how efficient your attacks and defenses are in those elements. This will come in VERY handy this game. Body and Spirit will reduce your chances of being inflicted with status effects, but will not make you immune. The said effects (below) are split between physical and mind based, and thus call for one of two items typically. Curse - Depletes HP gradually; calls for Restorative Poison - Depletes HP over time; Calls for Antidote Sleep - Immobilizes you; calls for Restorative Paralysis - Immobilizes you; calls for Antidote Charm - Attack allies for a time; calls for Restorative Confusion - Attack allies for a time; calls for Restorative Speed Down - Slows your movement; calls for Antidote or waiting a few seconds. The other stats have their own versions of this as well. Physical stats can be cured with Antidote or beaten with a boost of the same stat. The Magic stats call for Restorative or the temp stat boost. Areas - Almost all areas in these four games are made up of a field and dungeon together. Depending on the server and the three words put in, you can choose the element and average level of monsters you encounter. The areas to do with story are pre-chosen, and I'll add some to help with finding items and monsters. Server - This series' idea of a server is one of five roots to the many areas. In //Outbreak, we have Delta, Theta, Lambda, and Sigma servers. Save/Load - Through Data Manager or a Save Shop in a town, you can save a file of your progress on a memory card. Use this file to load and continue your progress. Convert - As of Mutation, when you turn on the game, you will see an option for converting data from the previous volume. This allows for all characters, levels, and items to be transferred over. As I said before, this guide will assume that you converted the Clear Data from both //Infection and //Mutation. -------------Movement and Interaction------------- Walk/Run - Use the left analog stick. Tilting it lightly causes slow motion. Examining/Selecting - X button. This only works if something to examine is within range, or if there is a choice to be made. Don't ask why you can't talk to an NPC on the other side of town when you aren't moving. Trapped Chests - These are the blue chests with random effects if you just open them. You don't get the better item that way. Carry Fortune Wires for a few of these, though it won't be TOTALLY necessary until an event at the end of QUARANTINE. Target Toggling - When multiple targets are in range use the digital pad to switch from target to target. Cancel - Circle button. You do this to exit out of menus and such. Camera Angles - L1 turns to look left, R1 turns to look right. The R3 (right analog stick) can zoom in or out. R2 resets the camera to default, and L2 toggles between 3rd person and 1st person views. This is important. If you never adjust the view, then you won't be able to target a monster just because it's not on the screen (mainly with skills). -------------Menus and Such------------- Open a Menu - Triangle button. This works as long as you are walking around in a town, a field, a dungeon, or in a battle (not when you're being flung around or doing an attack). If you're in a menu, this won't work, so do not ask why you can't open the main menu while in the middle of a trade. Item Info - When you are highlighted over an item, press the Square button to receive info about that item. Store Menu - Talk to the NPC or character running the store, press X, and then select to view their wares. You will see price amounts. If you have the money to pay for the item you want, then press X while highlighting that same item. Item/Option Highlighting - Move either the left analog stick or the digital pad in the direction it takes to get from option to option. Chat Command Menu - When in an area, press Square. It's through this menu you can select specific skills and strategies from your party members. Chaos Gate Menu - While in a town, examine the Chaos gate. Select Warp Menu to see a bunch of options. If you already have an area bookmarked from the boards, emails, or story events, you can select the area from the Word List. Warp History lists all areas manually or randomly visited in order from the most recent on earlier without repeating any areas. Random will pull randomly from your pool of keywords. New Keyword allows you to do what Random does, but manually. There are three pools: -1st Word -2nd Word -3rd Word * The server you're on comes into play as well as these will alter the range of levels your Word pool is likely to play with. This will not be absolute, but it's the general rule. Gate Hacking - When it comes to areas to do with the story progression, there will be SOME instances where you will require Virus Cores to unlock the area. Some Data Bugs as bosses will provide what you need, and sometimes you'll receive a Virus Core through Email or someone handing one to you. Virus Cores A through L have to be gained through Data Draining enemies other than the predetermined bosses. * A-C: Delta/Theta * D-F: Lambda at lv. 31+ * G-I: Sigma at 51+ * J-L: See Quarantine As for the Gate Hacking process . . . You will see a big screen with a cross on the left side and a list of the Virus Cores you got on the right. You can turn the cross clockwise by tapping left on your d-pad, and you can turn it the other way by tapping right. When a side of the cross is pointing down that has holes in it, you will see a letter (the type of Virus Core needed) and a number next to it (the number needed). You add the Virus Cores by tapping up on the d-pad until the holes are filled. They can be subtracted as well, but that's kinda useless. Once all the holes are filled, you can press X to permanently open the area. * During each walkthrough, I will suggest how many Virus Cores to try and get AT MINIMUM while you are fighting the monsters regularly. While this might slow the Exp. growth just a little, it will help in the long run to have what you need before you need it. You don't want to be level 80 or higher and trying to get Virus Cores A-C. You also don't want to drop your game progression to find more Virus Cores. * Over the course of Volume 3, I suggest getting a minimum of 14 Virus Core G's, 17 H's, and 10 I's. Extras will carry on and likely be used in one of the following volumes. In fact, if you converted your clear data from both earlier volumes, then you should have enough A-F's. * If you're using a cheat device to always have Virus Cores, then only use Cores A-L unless the game has given you the other ones you'll need. For those of you who don't: kudos. The cheat won't be needed. Trade - Talk to a character either walking around or that is in your party. Gift - You can select Trade with your party members. This has no Trade window, but you do see your own list of items as to what you wish to give. This helps in the affection level just a bit. Don't try giving multiple items at once, because it'll just be counted as one item. Rarity - Items are marked for their rarity. Most of the time, you will just want to put these in storage. I'll note when they have their use. Equipment - Weapon, head armor, body armor, wrist guards, and shoes. You can only equip a weapon specific to your class, and any defensive piece as long your class isn't excluded. Map - In the top-right corner of the screen, you can see the map of where you stand. In town, a dungeon block, or a grove, you will have the option of having the map up when you are not in battle, or you can toggle it off by pressing Select. In fields other than groves, there's a little more to the map. You see, other than the typical field, you have just the one map size. With the fields, however, you can toggle between Default Map, no map, and Overall Map. Overall Map is good for seeing where the portals, dungeon, and Spring of Myst can be found, whereas the Default Map lets you see the formations where you could find Symbols or grunty food. -------------About Battles------------- Yay, they're not random. The battles are in set places, though you COULD be attacked by wandering monsters on the field. In a dungeon, you cannot leave a room with any monsters in it still alive because the doors stay closed until you are victorious. * TIP: Sometimes, on a field, you will see two portals too close together for comfort. The way around this is to get close enough to one to activate it, and then run away from it just far enough to separate enemy party from additional opposition. I hope this helps you. Attack - Press X like you're interacting with an object or a character. You attack with Twin Blades, and can keep doing so repeatedly. Game Over - When you run out of health, you have to start over from the last place you saved. Game Over also occurs if your Infection from Data Drain reaches 100%. Items/Spells - To use these in battle, you must open the main menu and select what you want to use from there. The skills and spells are all separated into different tabs, with the last being for your Data Drain. Items also are separated into tabs. When in battle, you'll likely be using them from the first two tabs. Beyond that, you'd have to go into Equipment to fix whatever weapon you have equipped depending on what a battle's strategy may call for. But, I will cover this when it comes up. Strategy - This one is a little more complex than it needs to be, and it could get you into trouble if you leave it alone. First, you have to set the battle formation, which will very likely switch between Wonder Battle and Union Battle most of the time. Second, DURING combat you can shout to one party member to do first aid through the fight or to do a designated skill one time. You can also have that specific character change equipment as long they are carrying alternative stuff, which YOU have to give them. Data Drain Infection - As you Data Drain enemies, your infection level will rise. The higher in level you are compared to the monster, the less you will get infected from one use. As you gain other forms of Data Drain, you should note that the original Data Drain infects Kite less than the others. An email from Helba claims that the less infected you are, the easier it will be to get a Virus Core from most monsters, but I have yet to confirm this. To bring DOWN infection, Kite must physically attack some monsters and DEAL THE KILLING BLOW. The way you can check the level of infection is the silhouette image that appears next to the skill tab for the Data Drain skills. You won't see the exact percent of infection, but you will see colors in that silhouette to give an idea of where you are. They are as follows: * White - 0% to 24% * Blue - 25% to 49% * Green - 50% to 74% * Yellow - 75% to 98% * Orange - 99% * Red - 100%; GAME OVER * Maybe it's my screen, but I've never been able to see a difference between the white and blue levels. Either that, or the blue looks green ONLY on the Infection Status Window. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ III. Entity's Corner ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It started with a woman who decided to write an epic poem, but she never got to finish it. A programmer who knew her decided to make a virtual world to depict this poem, and FRAGMENT was born with a hidden purpose within it. Soon after, FRAGMENT was revised to The World, and all was well in the public eye. But, some individuals found out differently, and two heroes of a major event dared to investigate. One dared as well to invite a real life friend to play this game with him. This was Kite. In their first trip together, Orca did teach Kite how to play his favorite game just before things went wrong. Orca's player fell into a coma in the living world, and Kite's true adventure began. BlackRose, a middle school girl in a search for answers to why her own brother fell into a coma, teamed up with Kite as they both met many people . . . some knowing something is wrong, and some ignorant of it all. Finally, Kite had a showdown with the monster responsible for Orca's coma, but the monster's defeat was just the beginning. Kite and BlackRose soon found themselves stalked by the administrator Lios, who threatened them with character deletion before the hacker known as Helba talked Lios into giving them a chance to figure out the cause of The World's issues. Kite and BlackRose followed as it was their only lead on information, but then came another opporunity when they tracked down Wiseman about his knowledge of the Epitaph of Twilight. Wiseman directed our duo to find Helba at Net Slum, but Lios and Balmung took this chance to try to delete the trio. Fortunately, he was made unable to do this. Unfortunately, Magus had shown itself. A fight waged as victorious as against Skeith and Innis. Upon returning to town, Kite and BlackRose discovered that the problem had mutated to more than just players falling into comas. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ IV. Walkthrough ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * For the purpose of this guide (A) will be Delta, and (8) will be Theta. (^) will stand for Lambda. Please do not confuse it for Delta's (A). (E) will represent Sigma. These are to help you know which server we're on. * Also, I will provide SOME maps. Here's the key for most of them: = Pathway between east and west I Pathway between north and south, or else a weird wall M Magic Portal (monster or chest spawn point) B Boss c Treasure Chest; CAPS for 2+ v Virus Crystal T Gott Statue and main chest of dungeon k Destructible items (ie., skeletons, boxes, etc.,); CAPS for 2+ P Random buff Symbol found in dungeon map g Grunty Food; CAPS for 2+ u Way up in dungeons d Way down in dungeons (or into dungeons in groves) @ Spring of Myst in a grove ^ Space, nothingness, or even a special boss when noted as such -------------Mending Broken Spirits------------- ~~Part 1: The Few, the Fragile~~ You can watch the scenes that summarize the events of the past two volumes, or you can skip wih the start button. After that, you will start on the desktop. In case you don't know for some ridiculous reason, .hack emulates an online game called The World, and the desktop is this series' way of emulating your actions in the "real world." News: CC Corp has issued a statement blaming Helba for a growing problem in The World. Kite will comment on it being a lie. Email: You are told about an upgrade in the system from //Mutation. Each grunty you raise can now sniff out things in the field depending on its type. This can save you Fairy's Orbs (maybe) and also time spent looking for grunty foods. Wiseman informs you that he will be unavailable for a short time. Select "The World." Before you choose to "Log In," enter the "Board." Board: More detailed info about the upgrade. Log in. Carmina Gadelica-- You will see a scene with Mia acting stranger than usual. When it is over, we have something quick we must do. Since you've converted this from the Data Flag of //Mutation, you should have all the grunties on this server. Bony and Snakey will each have an item--Golden Grunty and Silver Grunty respectively--on them. Trade for them using 13 Healing Potions each. Use both right away! Check your Ryu Books as well. Having carried over from before, you should get at least a couple things to add to your desktop. * Take note that The Hanged Man and The Moon are no longer sold at the Magic Shop. This is why I asked at the end of Mutation to store a bunch of The Moon scrolls in Elf's Haven. Log out when you are done with these few things. Email: A dumb message from CC Corp And Mistral wants to talk to you in Delta's root town. Board: In the thread "Phantom" you can get (^) Stalking Betrayed Nothingness from one post. We'll do this area later. When you log in, use the Chaos Gate to switch servers to Delta. Mac Anu-- Mistral is waiting for you, She tells Kite that she's been pregnant all this time, and she's a little too worried for her child to be online during these dangerous times. She'll leave and become unavailable until halfway through the next volume. She won't gain any Exp., either. You'll automatically appear in Lambda. Carmina Gadelica-- Kite and BlackRose talk a bit. Kite is beginning to have doubts. BlackRose storms off angry at Kite. Log out again. We'll go exploring soon, I swear. Email: CC Corp tells you that the Sigma server has finally been reopened. BlackRose tells you to call her anytime. Board: "To Orca" has (E) Chatting Snaring Twins Carmina Gadelica-- Use the Chaos Gate to switch servers again. This time, let's check out Sigma. Be sure to have plenty of Healing Potions and Mage's Souls. Fort Ouph-- Before we go off to the next area, go south to the Grunty Ranch. You should have more than enough grunty good to raise your first grunty. Talk to Little Grunty, and select Give Food. Give it something like 40 Oh No Melons to make the little thing grow into this server's Noble Grunty. Save your game. Kite has to solo this; even Ms. "Call me anytime" is unavailable. You will need a couple Virus Core E's, which should be in your collection from //Mutation. * Kite should be level 52 if you followed my .hack guides up 'til now. * Always bring Lucky Shoes from //Mutation without equipping them. They will be the Rare item we'll throw in every Spring of Myst, and their HP and SP regeneration spells will help from time to time. * For this area, bring a small bunch (around 15) of Wood spell scrolls. The Moon also works quite well on holding some enemies still. Carrying plenty of The Moon and The Hanged Man through the rest of the games is highly advisable. (E) Chatting Snaring Twins-- Unlocking Virus Cores: E x2 # of Field Portals: 16 # of Dungeon Portals: 11 # of Symbols: 1 Spring of Myst: n/a Monsters: Maxwell, Earth Maiden, Miasma Wyvern, /onB=ll^$&a (B), IronBall Titan (B) Earth Maidens are easy to kill physically if you have Ap Do on and aren't being hit with spells or skills every so often. They are even easier if you use Wood spell scrolls on them. Maxwell can be killed easily with Thunder Dance, which your Blades of Bond carry. Both of these enemies can be Data Drained for Virus Core G's, but keep down the Data Drain usage to once per three kills. Be sure that most of your kills are with physical hits. * Keep an eye on your HP. Use Healing Potions as needed to stay alive. * Your first Data Drain in this volume should give the ability to use 2128 Drain, which I'll have you use a little later. Stick to Data Drain for now so your infection level doesn't climb too fast. Miasma Wyvern is just big enough to gain a Virus Core H from it via Data Drain. If you aren't getting Virus Cores very easily yet, then don't worry. Just keep at it with patience starting now. Kite should be at level 53 when you enter the dungeon. If you want Root Vegetables, use Noble Grunty to weed them out. ___ | d | "I" ___ |c | | | | | | | | | | M | | | | | | | | | | | "I" B1 ___ |c | ___ ___| |___ ___ |KcK|=| M |=|KvK| """ """| |""" """ | | "I" ___ | k| "I" ___ | u | """ As soon as you enter, you hear some words about humans versus AI growth. The enemies are the same as with the field. In the breakable objects, you can gain Antidotes, Restoratives, Healing Potions, and Well Water. The latter will help with trades later on. It is also here that you will begin to find Virus Cores lying around for anyone to pick up. ___ | d | """ __ ___ __ |-ck|=| k |=|ck-| "I" """ "I" ___ ___ ___ |c k| |KvK| |g k| "I" "I" "I" ___ ___ ___ |k g|=| |=|c k| """ "I" """ ___ | | | | | M | | | | | B2 "I" ___ | u | """ More words. This time referring to an ultimate AI. Be sure to grab the grunty food on this block; they're a Golden Egg and an Immature Egg. ___ | d | B3 "I" ___ _____ |c | | c| _______ ___| | | |"" | M c|=| M | | M| | |""" """| | | |__ | | | | | | "I" "I" """I" ___________ ___ ___________ | c k | |KvK| | g k | | | """ | | | M | | M | | | | | | k c | | k | """""I""""" """""I""""" ___ ___ |c | | | | |___ ___________ ___| | | M |=|c M |=| M | """"""" """| |""" """"""" | | "I" ___ | u | """ Words about Earth, life, and death. Take out all the portals on this block. It's easy if you are prepared. Also, If you just get one Virus Core G and H, then that will be fine for now. It'll get easier to gain Virus Cores later in the game. The words now mention Morganna Mode Gone. The fourth block needs no map. Use Ap Do, and go north beyond the purple smoke. You will see Balmung fighting a Data Bug. ***/onB=ll^$&a*** HP: Inf. P.Res/M.Res: None Element: Earth Rec.Lvl: 53 Balmung will be attacking this thing, but you cannot heal Balmung. Not that you need to. This boss will be interested only in Kite. Fight this thing in melee combat, and keep Kite healed the whole time. When the Protect Break finally happens, use Data Drain. You'll get a Virus Core O. This thing will turn into a normal IronBall Titan. Easy, really. ***End of Battle*** In the scene that follows, Kite finally gains Balmung's trust. You gain his Member Address. In the second scene, you'll be told about a strange room that Balmung and Orca had seen one day. You'll be led there, receive Epitaph 02, and return to town automatically. Fort Ouph-- Sell your excess stuff. Log out. Email: BlackRose says she'll be waiting by the chained statue at (A) Hidden Forbidden Holy Ground. When you log back in, switch servers to Delta. Mac Anu-- Before running off to where you'll be meeting BlackRose, go south, turn right toward the Magic shop, and head past it into the alley. Just past the bridge will be the first sighting. It will be like a ghost of Mimiru, and talking to it will cause her to repeat a quote from //SIGN just before she vanishes. You will gain Image 50 on your desktop and also a Healing Elixir. If you have any trouble seeing the ghost, then try going south a little more until the cursor picks up on a target. * Image 50 is an interesting one. It starts out with silhouettes of nine //SIGN characters. As you complete all the sightings for each ghost in the system, the characters are revealed. More on the sightings will be discussed later. (A) Hidden Forbidden Holy Ground-- Enter the building for a scene. BlackRose will finally explain about her brother. She confront's Kite about his doubt. Kite and BlackRose will agree to move forward because they're not alone in wanting to make things better. Mac Anu-- There's nothing more to do than logging out, for now. ~~Part 2: A Little Help TO My Friends~~ Email: Helba explains about Virus Cores G, H, and I. Sanjuro needs help at (E) Soaring Sky Madness Gardenia summons you to come with to (E) Dolorous Promised Clavicle Marlo is looking for the Necrotic Eye. We need to read this to make the corresponding topic appear on the board. Nuke wants you to take with to (E) Attracting Fated Ebb and Flow Wiseman wants to meet you in Sigma's root town. Reply with "About time!" to help Wiseman's Affection out a little. Everyone you have the Member Address of (minus Elk, Mia, BlackRose, Wiseman, and Mistral) will say they're all finally available. Board: "Play Knowledge" mentions the Necrotic Eye as being at (E) Spun Bloody Tragedy "Let's Play Tag Returns" will begin this volume's Golden Goblin event with (E) Detestable Gambler's Sunny Demon "I'm Terajima Ryoko" has (E) Cracked Worst Milestone for us to find our next character. Oh, and she's not in B1 . . . nor is she any higher than level 1. When you log in, go to Sigma. Fort Ouph-- Wiseman informs you that five more signs of the Epitaph are on the way, and then there's Cubia. He'll hand you a Virus Core O. Let's do the Golden Goblin challenge first. Kite needs to be alone. (E) Detestable Gambler's Sunny Demon-- First off, if this isn't available to you, then you need to complete the other two sets of challenges before this. Stehoney is ready. ***Stehoney T x3*** HP: 1170 each. P.Res/M.Res: None Element: Fire Rec.Lvl: 53 That's right, there are 3 of them. To make matters worse, they can now heal one another as soon as one gets to half health. Spells won't do you any good here as far as doing damage. They will even resist The Moon and The Hanged Man if you try using either. So, use Ap Do and Ap Corv. Zoom out a bit. A good way to start is to hit each one twice. Stick to the third. Once you get in the third hit on one of them, stay on him and quickly hit him a few more times until one is dead. That alone can be slightly tricky as you will have to cut turns to catch or keep up. Move on to the second Stehoney T, and kill him as fast as you can. Don't relax just yet. Take out the third one to finish this match. For winning, you get a Goblin Cap S. ***End of Battle*** There are Twilight Onions here. Use Noble Grunty, and press the triangle button to have it find as much as you want to collect. Fort Ouph-- Store the Goblin Cap S. For this next area, invite Wiseman and BlackRose. Be sure you've handed BlackRose the BL Yokohama from //Mutation. If Wiseman does not already have them, then buy the Imp Earrings and Priest's Stole from the Weapon Shop. You can either give them as a gift, or you can trade each one for 6 of any elemental item. We're doing this next area first so that Terajima can level a little over the course of everyone else's quest. (E) Cracked Worst Milestone-- # of Field Portals: 16 # of Dungeon Portals: 22 # of Symbols: 3 Spring of Myst: Grandpa Lv. 4 Monsters: Forest Hsien, Napylon, Astro Prince, Comad Goo, Skull Hero (D), Deadly Present (D), Gaia Turtle (D) Hit up the hard-to-miss Spring of Myst. Cast the Lucky Shoes. Then choose "Neither" to get it back plus both the Golden Axe and Silver Axe since Lucky Shoes is a Rare item. Since you have both Ap Do and Ap Corv, keep both up on your melee fighters wherever you go. Try not to leave Wiseman behind. He's our healer through the better part of this game. If you see a Symbol, use it when the whole party is in range. Napylon and Forest Hsien are both weak to Earth. Use Earth magic to bring down the Hsien as fast as possible. If you want to Data Drain one, however, then you will want to use another elemental spell to cause Protect Break. Napylons can heal themselves 400 HP at a time. You just have to be fast with them. If you Data Drain at least one Napylon, then it will turn into an Astro Prince, which has 1000 HP and can hurt you. Comad Goo is big enough to Data Drain for a Virus Core I. Wiseman should have the spell MeAni Kruz, which can shorten the battles against them by a fair amount. They can also be made easier with The Moon. Less need for heals. Clear the field of its magic portals since it's good Exp. Enter the dungeon when you're done out here. ___ ___ | d | |KKc| "I" "I" ___ ___________ ___ | | | k c | | | | |___ | | ___| | | M |=| M |=| M | | |""" | | """| | | | | g k | | | "I" """""I""""" "I" ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ |KcK|==|KcK|==| K| |KGK|==|KcK| """ """ "I" """ """ ___________ | k | | | | M | | | | k | B1 """""I""""" ___ | u | """ Proceed just a few feet for a short scene with Hybnos, who also came here in response to the board. Terajima is nowhere in sight. Skull Hero is a fast kill with Thunder Dance. Instead of Well Water, you can get Burning Oil here. Clear the portals. Don't forget the Bloody Egg or other grunty food. ___ | d | B2 "I" ___________ ___ ___________ | k c | | | | k c | | | ___| |___ | | | M M |=| M |=| M M | | | """| |""" | | | k | | | | g k | """"""""""" "I" """"""""""" ___ |KcK| "I" ___ | u | """ Deadly Present looks like a chest, it likes to confuse your party members, and it resists physical attacks. Because of them, and also because the Skull Hero can hit Wiseman pretty hard, be especially careful in the rooms with the two portals. Try to limit how many you activate at once by keeping some distance from the second portal while taking care of the first. Use Restoratives when someone gets Confused; it'll likely be BlackRose first. ___________ B3 | k c | _______ ___________ | | _______ | M c|=| d| | M M |=| M | | |""" """"""""""" | | """| | | | | k | | c| "I" """"""""""" "I" ___ ___ |KgK| |K K| "I" "I" ___________ ___________ | c k | | k c | | | ___________________________ | | | M |=|g M |=| M | | | """""""""""| |""""""""""" | | | k c | | | | k | """"""""""" | | """"""""""" | | | | "I" ___ | u | """ Keep up the portal clearing through this block. At the end, you will run into PINA for a short scene. She saw another player heading toward a lower level. The fourth block needs no map. Go east from the first portal to find a room with two more, and then north from the first to find a fourth portal and the stairs. Easy enough, right? ___ | | | | | |* | | | | B5 "I" ___ |c | ____ ___ ___| |___ ___ _________ |T |=|KgK|=| M |=|KgK|=| M c| """" """ """| |""" """ """"""""" | | "I" ___ | u | """ Save the northernmost room for last. Go west for the Gott Statue, and then east to finish clearing the dungeon. Or vice versa. You have a chance here of running into a Gaia Turtle, which resists physical attacks. It is also quite strong, so be careful with it. Enter the northernmost room, and approach the player standing there to meet Terajima. Kite shows her the way out. Fort Ouph-- Terajima gives you her Member Address. Switch out BlackRose for Terajima just so you can hand her such items as the Silver Scarab and Ivory Barettes. Switch her out for Nuke. Sell and restock. As a reference, your party should range in level from 54 to 56 by now. (E) Attracting Fated Ebb and Flow-- # of Field Portals: 16 # of Dungeon Portals: 9 # of Symbols: 4 Spring of Myst: n/a Monsters: Earth Maiden, Maxwell, Forest Hsien (D), Napylon (D), Wander Demon (B) Grunt Mints. The monsters should be nothing new. In fact, they should be much easier between the size of your party and the levels you've gained. You can hold the magic casting enemies still with Staccatto now. I recommend fighting enough enemies to get Nuke to level 55 before going into the dungeon. ___________ | k | | | ___ ___ | M M |=|KcK|=|KgK| | | """ "I" | g k | ___________ """"""""""" | c k | ___ | | B1 |d |=| M | """ | | ___________ | k g | | c k | """""I""""" | M | ___ ___ | | |KcK|=|KcK| | M | "I" """ | k c | ___________ """""I""""" | c k | ___ ___ | | |KcK|=|KcK|=| M | """ """ | | | k g | """""I""""" ___ | u | """ You can find Invisible Eggs here. The map explains this block well enough, right? Clear the portals. The second block needs no map. The rooms to the west and south of the one portal are storage rooms, and to the north is the stairs. ___ | | | | | B | B3 | | "I" ___ |c | ___ ___ ___| | |K K|=|K K|=| M | "I" """ """| | ___ | | | | "I" | T | ___ ___ _______ """ |k |=|K K|=| M c| "I" """ """"""" ___ | u | """ Take out the portals, and claim the Gott Statue's treasure, before heading to the boss. The boss is only a Wander Demon. Have Wiseman use a Water spell while Kite and Nuke melee the thing to death. After the short scene, you'll be back in town. * If you didn't get a Rod of Pattern back in //Mutation, then use 2128 Drain on Wander Demon. Problem solved. Just have Kite deal the finishing blow on the enemy. Fort Ouph-- Invite Marlo for the next one. Bring plenty (25) of Knight's Bane. If you have enough grunty food, then raise your Milky Grunty as well with: 3 La Pumpkin 3 White Cherry 2 Snakey Cactus 6 Invisible Egg 10 Golden Egg Trade with Milky Grunty for her Silver Grunty, and give it to Wiseman. She is also the one one this server that can track magic portals in fields. (E) Spun Bloody Tragedy-- # of Field Portals: 16 # of Dungeon Portals: 10 # of Symbols: 0 Spring of Myst: n/a Monsters: Gaia Turtle, Skull Hero, Hydrosaurus, Deadly Present (D), Comad Goo (D) When you see a Gaia Turtle, use a Knight's Bane on it. It should work fine. Hydrosaurus is an easy enough of a kill if you keep Wiseman on heals. Try to get Marlo to level 56 before entering the dungeon. The Virus Cores should be a little easier by now. You might as well clear the field of magic portals. ___________ | k | ___ | | ___ |d |=| M |=|KgC| """ | | """ | g k | """""I""""" ___ |c | ___ ___| |___ ___ |CKK|=| M |=|KKC| """ """| |""" """ | | "I" ___________ | g k | | | | M | | | | k g | """""I""""" B1 ___ | u | """ Deadly Presents have returned. Use your spare Knight's Banes on them. Just kill them with as fast as you can, and be ready with those Restoratives. ___ | d | | | | | | | | | "I" ___ |KcK| "I" ___________ | c k | ___ | | ___ |GCK|=| M |=| u| """ | | """ | k | """""I""""" ___ |KcK| B2 "I" ___________ | c k | | M | | | | M | | k c | """"""""""" Another easy block. Just be careful of the Confusion. ___________ | | | | | B | | | | | """""I""""" B3 ___ |c | ____ ___| | |T |=| M | """" """| | | | "I" ___ ___________ | | | k c | | |___ | | | M |=| M M | | |""" | | | c| | g k | "I" """"""""""" ___ | | | | | | | | | u | """ As usual, the northernmost room is being left for last. Clear the portals, get the Gott Statue opened up, and be sure Kite and Marlo are buffed up. Enter the boss chamber. ***Necrotic Eye*** HP: 4450 P.Res/M.Res: Magic Element: Fire Rec.Lvl: 56-57 Set Wiseman to First Aid, and keep on attacking. If Marlo has Glitter on him, then have him use Rue Crack on occasion. After a short while, this thing will try to heal itself for 400 HP at a time. It's an easy kill; no need for Data Drain. This will go pretty quick. ***End of Battle*** You'll learn what happened the last time Marlo fought one of these things just before his friends show up to apologize to him. You'll return to town. Fort Ouph-- Sell and restock. You'll need more Knight's Bane. Invite Gardenia. (E) Dolorous Promised Clavicle-- # of Field Portals: 16 # of Dungeon Portals: # of Symbols: 1 Spring of Myst: Monsieur Lv. 4 Monsters: Gaia Turtle, Sled Dog King, Comad Goo, Holy Knight (D) Sled Dog King can be Data Drained for a Virus Core H. By now, you should have at least three of each Virus Core G-I. A couple battles after Kite reaches 58, head inside. Feel free to grab some Mandragora. ___ ___ | d | |cGK| "I" "I" ___ ___ |g | | | | |___ ___________ ___| | | M |=|c M |=|c M | """"""" """| |""" """"""" | | "I" ___ |c | | | B1 | M | | | | | "I" ___ | u | """ Gardenia asks a question related to dying. Alright, Holy Knight's can resist
magic, but they are prone to The Hanged Man.  Use a couple when you face more
than one.  The battles will be that much easier on you.  This dungeon can yield
Sports Drinks via breakable objects.  Clear the portals while you're at it.
  ___   _______________
 |d  |=|             M |
  """   """""""""""|   |
                   |   |
                   |   |
                   |   |
                   |   |
                    "I"
                ___________                 ___________
               | c       k |               | k       c |
               |           |  ___________  |           |
               |     M     |=|     M     |=|  M     M  |
               |           |  """|   |"""  |           |
               | k       c |     |   |     | c       k |
                """""""""""       "I"       """""""""""
                              ___________
                             |         k |
           B2                |           |
                             |     M     |
                             |           |
                             | k         |
                              """""I"""""
                                  ___
                                 | u |
                                  """
Gardenia expresses her admiration for flowers in a misleading way.  The map
should be enough of an explanation.

The third block needs no map.  There's one magic portal.  To the west is a
storage room, and to the north a couple rooms is the Gott Statue.  You get a
Secret: Might from this one.  Gardenia will say goodbye, again in a misleading
way, and Kite will ask her about what she means.  It turns out she just has too
much work to do to be online much longer.  She leaves.  And so will you.

 Fort Ouph--

Use the Secret: Might right away.  Sell and restock.  Then invite Sanjuro.

 (E) Soaring Sky Madness Compass--

# of Field Portals: 16
# of Dungeon Portals: 2
# of Symbols: 10
Spring of Myst: Monsieur Lv. 4

Monsters: Sled Dog King, Holy Knight, Dark Stalker, Grangon (D)

There are quite a few La Pumpkins here.  Dark Stalkers will require Thunder
spells since they resist physical attacks.  Wiseman and Kite each should have
one.  Try fighting enough enemies in this field to get Kite to level 59.

As you enter the dungeon, you are told about certain rooms containing questions
you must answer correctly to continue.  Really, they're easy.  The first block
needs no map.  Start out by going north twice from the entrance.  You are asked
the first question.  The correct way to go is east (penny).  You are then given
the second question.  Go north (virtue).  You will finally reach the first
portal of this dungeon.  Beat it to continue to the next block.

   * The breakable objects yield Cooked Biles, by the way.  No worries about
          getting them since there are other chances later.

The second block also needs no map, and it doesn't even have any portals.  Go
north twice for the first of three more questions: west (friend), west (one),
and north (treasure) are the answers.

This dungeon is such a joke.  It doesn't need any maps.  Go north for the last
portal here, and then north again for the Gott Statue.  Grangon is a big enemy
that is essentially just an Earth version of the Hydrosaurus.  Have Wiseman aid
the damage you're dealing with a Wood spell.  Just watch everyone's HP.  At the
Gott Statue, open the chest for a short scene.  Sanjuro gets the Tonosama Sword
from Kite, and Kite receives Secret: Reason.  Save that for BlackRose.

 Fort Ouph--

And you're finally done with //Outbreak's first stretch of sidequests.  Sell
and restock.  Log out.

                ~~Part 3: A Wise Man and a Gamble~~

     Board:
          "Let's Play Tag Returns" should have the second challenge for you at
               (E) Detestable Gambler's Messenger
     Email:
          Terajima wants your help getting a rare item at (E) Generous Bemused
               Virgin.  You're probably asking what she's doing on Sigma server
               at so low a level, right?  Furthermore, the area is a harsh one
               even if she was Kite's or Wiseman's level.  We'll do it later.
          Wiseman believes the Cursed Wave can be halted with a jamming program
               in the right place.  He says we'll need Helba's help to do this.
               Time to go to (^) Pulsating Truth's Core.

 Fort Ouph--

Bring a Hunter Blood.  A Warrior Blood will be good if you don't want to waste
time on casting Ap Corv.

 (E) Detestable Gambler's Messenger--

Jonue is ready to go.

***Jonue T x3***
HP:          1310 each.
P.Res/M.Res: None
Element:    Water
Rec.Lvl:       59

Get the Attack and Accuracy up followed by casting Ap Do.  Jonue is slightly
faster than Stehoney, but the strategy remains the same as before.  Hit each of
him a couple times, and then concentrate on one.  Don't let up.  Keep chasins
and attacking one until the other two remain.  Then take down the second.  Beat
the third to end this fight.

It can be a pain in the rear, I know.  You have to know how to cut one off and
how to chase one away from the other two so you have less healing to worry
about.  But, if you can't lead one away, then keep them just close enough to
switch targets when they're all busy healing another.  Maybe that will help you
as much as it did for me.  Just don't waste time on weapon skills, because only
the first hit will land, and they will get away while you stand there.

You'll get a Goblin Mail S
***End of Battle***

There are White Cherries here if you want them.

 Fort Ouph--

After storing the prize from the Golden Goblin chellnge, switch servers.

 Carmina Gadelica--

Invite Balmung and Wiseman.  Bring a Hunter Blood for Kite to use.

 (^) Pulsating Truth's Core--

You appear immediately in Net Slum.  Tartarga is waiting for you with a message
from Helba.  She wants Kite to go to (E) Tested Quicksilver Valkyrie alone.
You are then asked by Tartarga to take care of a Data Bug in the back of Net
Slum.  Go there for a quick fight.

***Har*y/ue:n***
HP:          Inf.
P.Res/M.Res: None
Element:     Wood
Rec.Lvl:    58-60

Have everyone use skills.  This won't be hard.  Heal if necessary, and use Data
Drain when it is necessary.  Have Kite deal the final blow by setting everyone
to Standby.

For the Data Drain, you'll get a third Virus Core O.  This fight will also then
be against a normal Harpy Queen.  Use a Hunter Blood, and go in for the kill.
***End of Battle***

Tartarga will thank you before handing you a Feng Shui.

 Carmina Gadelica--

Give the Feng Shui to Wiseman.  Before disbanding the party, if you want to go
back to (^) Pulsating Worst Core to get a Fishskin from Squidbod, then now is a
good time to do it.  Switch to Sigma when you're ready.

 Fort Ouph--

Stock up on plenty of healing items, and save your game.

 (E) Tested Quicksilver Valkyrie--

# of Field Portals: 4
# of Dungeon Portals: 11
# of Symbols: 0
Spring of Myst: Monsieur Lv. 4

Monsters: Napylon, Maxwell, Miasma Wyvern, Skull Hero (D), Forest Hsien (D),
     &om
 |           |  """   """|   |"""   """  |           |
 |         k |           |   |           | k         |
  """""I"""""             "I"             """""I"""""
      ___                 ___             ___________
     |   |               |c  |           | g       k |
     |   |               |   |           |     M     |
     |   |               | M |           |           |
     |   |               |   |           |     M     |
     | d |               |   |           | k       g |
      """                 "I"             """""""""""
                          ___
                         |   |
                ___   ___|   |___   ___
               |CgK|=|     M    g|=|  u|
                """   """""""""""   """
Spark Maiden will provide your chance to acquire a couple Virus Core G's.  Not
including the one you've already spent, you will need 13 Virus Core G's by the
end of the series.  Get at least one while you are here.  Head down the stairs.

The third block needs no map.  It has one portal.  To the east and west are a
couple storage rooms.  The Gott Statue is to the north.  Claim it for a scene
to end this trip.  You'll get a Secret: Divine.

 Fort Ouph--

Use the item Moonstone gave you.  Sell and restock.  Make your party one with
Rachel and Wiseman.  Be sure Rachel's armor is upgraded, but don't worry about
her weapon.  Save if you desire.

 (E) Expansive Corrupted Ridgeline--

# of Field Portals: 16
# of Dungeon Portals: 8
# of Symbols: 0
Spring of Myst: n/a

Monsters: Holy Night, Dark Stalker, Sled Dog King, Grangon (D)

No need to be in the field, so head for the dungeon.
      ___           ___
     | d |         |KcK|
      "I"           "I"
  ___________   ___________
 | c       k | | c       k |
 |           | |           |
 |     M     | |     M     |
 |           | |           |
 | k       c | | k       c |
  """""I"""""   """""I"""""
      ___    ___    ___
     |KcK|==|kck|==|KcK|
      """    "I"    """
             ___
            |   | <-- Kida
            |   |
            |   |
            |   |
    B1      |   |
             "I"
             ___
            | u |
             """
Go north until you get a scene with Kida.  You need to find Akai, and give him
a Red Sword to get the Yellow Cap.  You get the Red Sword from him.  Clear the
dungeon's portals.
                      ___________
                     | g       k |
                     |     M     |
                     |           |
                     |     M     |
         B2          | k       c |
                      """""I"""""
                          ___
                         |KcK|
                          "I"
  ___________         ___________
 | k       g |       | c       k |
 |           |  ___  |           |  ___   _________
 |  M     M  |=|KcK|=|     M     |=|KcK|=|        d|
 |           |  """  |           |  """   """""""""
 | c       k |       | k       c |
  """""""""""         """""I"""""
                          ___
                         |K K|
                          "I"
                      ___________
                     |           | <-- Akai
                     |           |
                     |           |
                     |           |
                     |           |
                      """""I"""""
                          ___
                         | u |
                          """
Head north to find Akai.  He had given the Yellow Cap to Aoyama out of Rachel's
service being too slow.  He'll give you the Blue Boots to trade back for it.
In spite of the rooms with the double portals, this should still be easy.  Hold
a safe distance from the second portal while you deal with the first.
                  ___
                 |   |
                 |   | <-- Aoyama
                 |   |
                 |   |
      B3          "I"
                  ___
                 |c  |
  _________   ___|   |___   ____
 |u        |=|     M     |=|   T|
  """""""""   """|   |"""   """"
                 |   |
                  "I"
                  ___
                 |KcK|
                  """
Claim the Gott Statue before you go to the northern room.  Approach Aoyama, and
you will get a scene.  Kite and Rachel each receive 5000 GP.  Kite will express
a good point about this courier business.  You'll then leave automatically.

 Fort Ouph--

For the next area, you will need Balmung and BlackRose both in your party.  So,
bring PLENTY of Recovery Drinks and Mage's Souls.  Bring the other healing
items (Resurrects, Restoratives, and Antidotes) as well 15 of every Blood item.

 Carmina Gadelica--

I highly recommend saving.  Do this when you have the time, because the boss is
in no short supply of HP or tricks.  Do the ghost sightings (covered earlier)
up to completing Silver Knight.  Kite should use the Sutras items.  Give a
Golden Grunty to BlackRose, and a Silver Grunty to Balmung.

 (^) Merciless Grieving Furnace-Area--

# of Field Portals: 16
# of Dungeon Portals: 6
# of Symbols: 4
Spring of Myst: n/a

Monsters: Magatumkuro, Undead Voodoo, Bee Commando, Cubia

Just going through the field, Ap Do and Ap Corv on everyone should be enough.
Magatumkuro is big, but it's weak to Thunder Dance.  Just like Undead Voodoo.
Bee Commando likes to avoid physical attacks, but not too badly.  They also can
Poison you.  As a good trade-off, you can Paralyze them.  Clear the field since
it's good Exp.  The whole party should be at a minimum level of 64 when you get
to the dungeon, so fight some more if needed.  If you don't want to waste a
Fairy's Orb, then call Snakey Grunty.

   * TIP: If you don't want to waste Antidotes, then equip Lucky Shoes long
          enough to cast Rig Saem on anyone who gets Poisoned.  casting the Rig
          Gaem spell on Kite would also help you if your SP drains too fast.
                          ___
                         |   |
                         | M |
          B1             |   |
                         |   |
                          "I"
                       _________
                      /   ___   \
  ___  |-|       |-| |  _|   |_k | |-|       |-|  ___
 |kck|=|k|       |k|=| |       | |=|k|       |k|=|KcK|
  "I"  | c"|___|"k | | k"|   |"c | |  "|___|"k |  """
  ___   \         /   \   """   /   \         /
 |KcK|   """"I""""     """"I""""     """"I""""    ___
  """       ___           ___           ___      |cdc|
           |   |         | u |         |c  |      "I"
  ___   ___|   |          """          |   |___   ___
 |   |=|c    M |                       | M     |=|kck|
  """   """""""                         """""""   """
As soon as you begin treading the dungeon grounds, use one of every Blood item
on each party member.  Keep up those buffs and Ap Do until the last doorway,
but do not reuse any Blood item until the buffs have worn off.  We'll want this
place to be quick enough even though we're clearing the portals.  One round of
Blood items will do.  For now.
                      ___
                     | d |
        B2            "I"
                      ___
  ___                |   |                ___
 | c |      ___   ___|   |___   ___      |   |
 | M |     |KPK|=|     M     |=|GKC|     | M |
 |   |      """   """|   |"""   """      |   |
 |   |               |   |               |   |
  "I"                 "I"                 "I"
  ___             ___________             ___
 |k  \_          |           |          _/  k|
  "\   \_   ___  |           |  ___   _/   /"
    "\  k|=|kgk|=|           |=|KcK|=|k  /"
      """   """  |           |  """   """
                 |           |
                  """""I"""""
                      ___
                     |CuC|
                      """
The map pretty much explains it.

The third block is too straight-forward to require a map.  Just stop before the
purple smoke to prepare everyone with Rig Gaem, Rig Saem, and al Blood items.
Step through the doorway for a scene.

***Cubia***
HP: 2000 (Cubia Core), 1200 (Repth/Varias/Downer Gomora), 1300 (Kill Gomora)
P.Res/M.Res: Alternates
Element: n/a
Rec.Lvl: 64

As soon as the Cubia Core appears, Designate Target on it with BlackRose and
Balmung.  If you see it has Physical Tolerance, set them to Magic.  If it has
Magic Tolerance, then set them to Attack.  

With Kite, you should keep an eye out for the Repth Gomoras so you can kill
them fast.  Deal damage to the Cubia Core when Kite has nothing else to attack.
Heal everyone frequently!

   * When the Physical Tolerance is up, hope that the Repth Gomora is next to
          the Cubia Core so you can target the former with something like Rai
          Rom.  This will damage them both.
   * Be ready with Recovery Drinks and Mage's Souls.  Be ready also to bring
          the buffs back up for everybody.  Thankfully, Ap Do is not needed.

Periodically, when the Cubia Core's HP goes down enough, Cubia will use a big
spell that hits everyone.  Heal up!  This is also when the tolerance switches.
So adjust your strategy accordingly.

     Repth Gomora - Will try to heal the Cubia Core.  As I said, have Kite kill
          these fast.  They're the only ones you should bother killing.  They
          heal for 400 HP at a time.
     Downer Gomoras - Tries to hit you with status ailments and elemental drops
          at random.  Recover with Antidote or Restorative as needed.  Call for
          First Aid if Kite is hit with Sleep or Paralysis.
     Kill Gomoras - They try to deal damage to you.  No worries.  Just don't
          let anyone's health fall below a certain point.
     Varias Gomora - Random status ailments.

Once the first Cubia Core is down . . .

***Cubia***
HP: 5000 (Cubia Core), 1200 (Repth/Varias/Downer Gomora), 1300 (Kill Gomora)
P.Res/M.Res: Alternates
Element: n/a
Rec.Lvl: 64

. . . you will have to take on the second one without a break or even any Exp.
gained.  The Cubia Core will have more attacks.  The spells will be a little
stronger.  All-in-all, the fight stays the same.

Keep up the good work to make Cubia retreat.  It will likely be easy if you've
got a good rhythm going.
***End of Battle***

You will see Lios Gate Out before you leave.

 Carmina Gadelica--

Kite will suggest that Lios's help will be needed against this infection.  You
will be left with Kite and Balmung wondering how BlackRose will summon Helba
and Lios both.  Log out.

                ~~Part 3: Lios the Ally~~

     Email:
          BlackRose tells you to read the board before finding her in Lamda's
               root town.
     Board:
          Feel free to laugh at Rachel's Delivery Service
          "Let's Play Tag Returns" has the next match ready at (E) Detestable
               Gambler's New Truth
          "Hackers" will have a message saying BlackRose is waiting in Paradise
               for the Queen of the Dark.

 Carmina Gadelica--

BlackRose is waiting.  Let's do this quick trip first.  Invite BlackRose.

 (^) Pulsating Truth's Core--

Enjoy the scene.  Lios will have a condition you must fulfill, which is much
easier than it sounds.  We must go to an area and get a Virus Core from a Data
Bug without ever using Data Drain in the whole area.  You will get the keywords
(E) Sorrowful Sweltering Arena.  Switch servers when you are back in town.

 Fort Ouph--

Let's do the fourth Golden Goblin challenge of this volume now.  Kite must be
alone.  Be sure to have plenty (18+) of The Moon scrolls and some Blood items.
If you need The Moon scrolls, withdraw some from Elf's Haven.  If you don't
have any there, then you'll have to do random, low-level areas to get some.
Yuckey has one too, so you can trade for it, find him again, and trade for one
again.  Tedious.  Yet, you need this item.

 (E) Detestable Gambler's New Truth--

Albert is ready.

***Albert T x3***
HP:          1590 each.
P.Res/M.Res: None
Element:     None
Rec.Lvl:       64

They can cast spells at you, thus damaging you and freezing you in place.  Now
for the good news.  They can be put to Sleep.  After you use Ap Do and use the
Warrior Blood and Hunter Blood, use The Moon on one Golden Goblin.  You can
still be frozen in place by their spells, so run fast at the one Albert to hit
him.  He will wake very shortly, so use The Moon again.  After enough hits, the
first Albert T will fall.

   * Try to time The Moon for when one or both of the other goblins are casting
          their spells.  That way, you can just run for the target.  It also
          helps if the target is close by.

Use the same method on the second the whole way through.  Use it on the third
as a means to keep up.  Thunder Dance when they sleep is useful.  Thankfully,
Albert cannot heal like the other Golden Goblins.  Enjoy.

Upon winning, you will get Goblin Boots S.  Give yourself a pat on the back if
you manage to have some The Moon scrolls left over.
***End of Battle***

If you need Mushrooms, you can find some here.

 Fort Ouph--

Store the Goblin Boots S.  Invite BlackRose and Wiseman.

 (E) Sorrowful Sweltering Arena--

# of Field Portals: 16
# of Dungeon Portals: 12
# of Symbols: 2
Spring of Myst: n/a

Monsters: Undead Voodoo, Spark Maiden, Bee Commando, Magatumkuro (D),
     Glygon (D), Maga*umk\ro (B)

Lios is waiting for you.  Kite promises not to use Data Drain in this area.  We
will be able to use it during the second visit and later, however.  Let's skip
the field during the first visit here.  We'll come back later for some stuff.
  ___                         ___
 |KcK|                       | d |
  "I"                         "I"
  ______                   ______
 |      \                 /      |
  """|_M |  ___________  | M_|"""
       | |=|c    M     |=| |
       |-|  """|   |"""  |-|
               |   |
   B1           "I"
                ___
               | u |
                """
You do not need to clear during your first trip here.  Make your way east and
north to the stairs.
                                     ______
                                    /     g|
   B2                              |  _|"""
                                   |M|
            ___   _______          |  "|___
           |kck|=|    M g|          \      |
            "I"   """""""            """"I"
            ___                         ___
           |KcK|                       |c K|
  ___       "I"                         "I"
 | d |      ___                         ___
  "I"      |   |                       |   |
  ___   ___|   |___   ___________   ___|   |
 |kck|=|     M    c|=|c    M     |=|     M |
  """   """""""""""   """|   |"""   """""""
                         |   |
                          "I"
                          ___
                         | u |
                          """
Make your way west for the quickest route.
  ___
 | c |      ___   ___   _________
 | M |     |kgk|=|KcK|=|        d|
 |   |      "I"   """   """""""""
 |   |      ___
  "I"      |K K|
  ___       "I"
 |K K|   _________
  "I"   /   ___   \
  ___  | c_|   |_k |  ___   _______
 |kck|=| |       | |=|KcK|=|    M c|
  """  | k"|   |"  |  """   """""""
        \   """   /
  B3     """"I""""
            ___
           | u |
            """
The shortest route doesn't even require any fighting.
              ___
             | d |   _________
   B4         "I"   /    M    \
  _________   ___  |  _|"""|_  |
 |u        |=|kck|=| |       | |
  """""""""   """  |-|       |-|
If you somehow get lost on this floor, then you might need to stop playing.
Glygon is weak to Earth, and it fights like any other dragon sort of enemy.
  ____   ___   ___   ___   _______
 |T   |=|kck|=|kgk|=|kgk|=|    M  |
  """"   """   "I"   """   """""""
           ___________
          |           |
          |           |
          |     B     |
          |           |
          |           |
           """""I"""""
         ___   ___   ___
        |ck |=|   |=| kc|
         """   "I"   """
   B5          ___
              | u |
               """
Refresh your buffs and heal up before heading north into the boss chamber.

***Maga*umk\ro***
HP:          0%06
P.Res/M.Res: None
Element:     None
Rec.Lvl:    64-65

This is NOT A REAL DATA BUG!  Set everyone to use skills.  Have Kite deal his
regular attacks.  If you need to heal, Kite should be ready to do it without
waiting for a skill to end.  This thing will fall.
***End of Battle***

A scene will follow.  Helba will warn everyone that all the servers will be
destroyed by CC Corp if the infection gets any worse.

 Fort Ouph--

I highly recommend going back to clear the whole area.  When you see a Spark
Maiden, use Data Drain in hopes of getting a Virus Core G.  Even after clearing
the whole area and taking the Gott Statue's treasure, keep at the Data Drains
until you see 13 Virus Core G's in your collection.  That will finish up the
three Virus Cores (G-I) for //Outbreak.  Just remember about letting Kite have
the killing blow as often as possible.

                ~~Part 4: Rumors and Mysteries~~

Log out when you're ready.

     Email:
          Wiseman is impressed by what you've done so far.
     Board:
          "Cursed Area Information" has (E) Fleeting Fallow Chaos

 Fort Ouph--

Sell and restock as needed so we can begin.  Invite BlackRose and Wiseman.  You
will need to do some Gate Hacking, which is easy if you collected everything
like I suggested.  Bring some Wood spell scrolls.

 (E) Fleeting Fallow Chaos--

Unlocking Virus Cores: G x1, H x2, I x2, Q x1
# of Field Portals: 16
# of Dungeon Portals: 17
# of Symbols: 4
Spring of Myst: n/a

Monsters: Earthman Drill, Org Napylon, Dejected, Nightmare (D),
     Sand Mountain (D), Acanthaster (D), S=ar $at&r (B), Star Eater (B)

Earthman Drill is big, and it resists physical attacks.  Have everyone use some
magic spells on it, but have Wiseman use his Wood spell on it.  Org Napylon and
Dejected are weak to Water.  Have Wiseman use a Water spell while you down the
Dejected and then the Napylons.  The Dejected take priority only because they
can resurrect their allies.  Use The Hanged Man if you face two Dejected in the
same battle.

Get the whole party to level 66 before starting the dungeon.
      ___                         ___
     |KvK|                       | d |
      "I"                         "I"
      ___                         ___
     |   |                       |c  |
     |   |___   ____---____   ___|   |
     | M     |=|     M     |=|     M |
     |   |"""   """"---""""   """|   |
     |  c|                       |   |
      "I"                         "I"
  ___________                 ___________
 |         k |               | k         |
 |           |  ___________  |           |
 |     M     |=|     M     |=|     M     |
 |           |  """|   |"""  |           |
 | k       g |     |   |     | c       k |
  """""""""""       "I"       """""""""""
                    ___
                   |   |
                   |   |
       B1         |  M  |
                   |   |
                   |   |
                    "I"
                    ___
                   | u |
                    """
Nightmare is weak to Thunder attacks or spells.  Dejected still has to die or
be heavily distracted (Paralysis) to not be a bother.  Take out as many portals
as you can since it will help your Exp.
                ___
               | g |
               | M |
               |   |
               |   |
      B2        "I"
                ___
               |c  |
               |   |
               | M |
  ___          |   |          ___
 | d |         |   |         |KvK|
  "I"           "I"           "I"
  ___           ___           ___
 |g  |         |c  |         |   |
 |   |___   ___|   |___   ___|   |
 | M     |=|     M     |=|     M |
  """""""   """|   |"""   """""""
               |   |
                "I"
                ___
               |   |
               |   |
              |  M  |
               |   |
               |   |
                "I"
                ___
               | u |
                """
Sand Mountain is like Earthman Drill in how it resists physical attacks and the
Earth Element, so beat it down with Wood and other spells.  Watch out, though,
because where this one lacks in power, it makes up for by casting Rig Saem on
itself.  Still pretty easy.
    ___________
   |           |
   |           |  _______
   |     B     |=|     M |
   |           |  """|   |
   |           |     |  c|
    """""I"""""       "I"
        ___           ___
       |   |         |   |
       |   |         | T |
       |   |          """
       |   |
       |   |
        "I"
  ___   ___   __
 |KvK|=|kck|=|ck-|
  """   """   "I"
              ___       ___________
             |   |     | k       c |
             |   |___  |           |
             | M     |=|  M     M  |
             |   |"""  |           |
             |   |     | c       k |
              "I"       """""""""""
              ___
             | u |
              """
As you can see from the map, you would have to come back for the Gott Statue.
If you run into an Acanthaster, it is a stronger version of a Star Eater.  Kill
it with Fire, and be ready to heal.

***S=ar $at&r***
HP:          inf.
P.Res/M.Res: None
Element:    Water
Rec.Lvl:       67

Use the routine strategy for Data Bugs.  Set the party to skills, heal when it
is necessary, and use Data Drain when it is ready.

You will only get a Virus Core I.  Lame.  Kill the Star Eater to end this.
***End of Battle***

You will leave automatically.  Return for the dungeon clear and the Gott Statue
before moving on.  The party should be level 68, halfway to 69.

 Fort Ouph--

Log out.

     Board:
          "Is This an Event Character?" has (E) Resonating False Grasslands

 Fort Ouph--

Reinvite BlackRose and Wiseman.

 (E) Resonating False Grasslands--

Unlocking Virus Cores: G x1, H x3, I x1, R x1
# of Field Portals: 16
# of Dungeon Portals: 16
# of Symbols: 0
Spring of Myst: Grandpa Lv. 4

Monsters: Mugai Wyvern, Spin Figure, Bee Commando, Dark Guru (D), Dejected (D),
     Glygon (D)

There are two portals right next to where you start, so be ready to fight.  You
can also be quick and summon a grunty before the first two monsters appear.
Once you have taken care of the Spring of Myst, head inside.
                          ___
                         | g |
                         | M |
                         |   |
                         |   |
                          "I"
                          ___
                         |   |
                         |   |
                        |  M  |
                         |   |
                         |   |
              B1          "I"
                          ___
                         |c  |
  ___   ____---____   ___|   |___   ____---____   ___
 |d  |=|     M     |=|     M     |=|     M     |=|KvK|
  """   """"---""""   """|   |"""   """"---""""   """
                         |   |
                          "I"
                          ___
                         | u |
                          """
Mugai Wyverns are weak to Fire magic, so use that instead of dealing with their
Physical Evade.  Dark Gurus are weak to Thunder.  Data Drain them until you get
a Cosmic Staff.  Give that to Wiseman since it's such an awesome upgrade.  Redo
the first block if you must, but get that weapon.
                      ___________
                     |     M     |
                     |   # c #   |
                     |   #####   |
                     |   #####   |
         B2          |           |
                      """""I"""""
                          ___
                         |   |
  ___  |-|       |-|  ___|   |___   ___________   ___
 |KvK|=| |       | |=|     M     |=|g    M     |=|  u|
  """  |  "|___|"  |  """|   |"""   """""""""""   """
        \    M    /      |   |
         """""""""        "I"
                          ___
                         |c  |
                         |   |
                         | M |
                         |   |
                         |   |
                          "I"
                          ___
                         | d |
                          """
Now that you have the Cosmic Staff on Wiseman, his Wryneck Ch spell can damage
the Spin Figures severely.  Since the enemies won't grant too great of Exp.,
feel free to go the shortest route to the stairs.
                    ___
                   | u |
                    "I"
  ___________       ___       ___________
 |           |     |g  |     |           |
 |   #####   |  ___|   |___  |   #####   |
 |M   c###   |=|     M     |=|   ###c   M|
 |   #####   |  """|   |"""  |   #####   |
 |           |     |   |     |           |
  """""""""""       "I"       """""""""""
                 ______
                /      |
               |  _|"""
               |M|
               |  "|___
                \      |
      B3         """"I"
                    ___
                   |   |
          ___   ___|   |___   ___
         |d  |=|     M    g|=|KvK|
          """   """""""""""   """
Glygons again?  Yarthkins Rf can help fix that.  Make your way downstairs.

The fourth block needs no map.  There's one battle on the singular path.  Head
all the way in until you get a scene.  You will receive Epitaph 03.

 Fort Ouph--

Sell and restock.  Log out.

                ~~Part 5: For All That Comes Together~~

     Email:
          Wiseman summons everyone to Net Slum.

When you log in, go to the Lambda server.

 Carmina Gadelica--

No need to invite anyone.

 (^) Pulsating Truth's Core--

You will get a scene where Wiseman further explains his plan.  Lios will be on
duty of searching for the Cursed Wave, Wiseman will be asked to analyze the
information gathered, and Kite will form the party to fight the Cursed Wave.
Everyone else not used will be in charge of containing the area of operation so
the Cursed Wave doesn't spread.  (Don't ask the details)

 Carmina Gadelica--

Log out again.

     Board:
          Read the posts in "People in Comas" before logging back in.

 Carmina Gadelica--

Elk is at the Chaos Gate.  He is looking for Mia.  Log out yet again.

     Email:
          Wiseman says to assemble at Net Slum so Operation: BREAKWATER can
               begin.  I hate useless steps.
          BlackRose says she's coming for this mission.

 Carmina Gadelica--

Head immediately to . . .

 (^) Pulsating Truth's Core--

Watch the scene.  You'll be back in town when it's over.

 Carmina Gadelica--

Before we run off to the last story area of //Outbreak, let's prepare.  Finish
the ghost sightings.  Have Kite use all the HP/SP boosting items from the last
few characters: 3 Energy Sutras, 3 Spirit Sutras, a Golden Gruntym and a Silver
Grunty.  Kite's stats should be looking decent.  Save your game.

   * Track down Cyan or Jutah, and trade with either one 12 elemental items for
          an Owl Crest to give to Wiseman.  Phal Repth will be a big help.

For the next area, bring Wiseman and BlackRose.  We're going to do the side
area we've been putting off since near the start of this volume.  Be sure you
have enough The Hanged Man scrolls.

 (^) Stalking Betrayed Nothingness--

# of Field Portals: 16
# of Dungeon Portals: 12
# of Symbols: 1
Spring of Myst: n/a

Monsters: Skull Devilgon, Lich, Star Viking, Dark Maiden (D)

Skull Devilgon is weak to Thunder, so Kite and Wiseman should be able to take
down one of these pretty quick.  Lich can resist Earth and Magic, and it can
hit your party members with Confusion.  Lucky for you, they are vulnerable to
The Hanged Man.  Star Viking hits hard.  It is weak to Darkness.

   * 2128 Drain a Lich for a Phoenix's Fire if you collect Rare items.
   * Skull Devilgon has the Rare item Tri-tips
   * Star Viking has the Five Stars

Other than the three-or-so monsters that will be Data Drained (via 2128 Drain),
Clear the field for the Exp.
       |-|  _______             _______  |-|
       | |=|     M |           | M     |=| |
  ___|"M |  """|   |           |   |"""  | M"|___
 |      /      |  g|           |   |      \      |
  "I""""        "I"             "I"        """"I"
  ___           ___             ___           ___
 |   |         | d |           |KPK|         |g  |
 |   |          """             """          |   |
 | M |                                       | M |
 |   |                                       |   |
 |   |                                       |   |
  "I"                                         "I"
  ___                                         ___
 |k  \_                                     _/  k|
  "\   \_   ___________________________   _/   /"
    "\  k|=|c            M             |=|k  /"
      """   """""""""""|   |"""""""""""   """
                       |   |
                       |   |
                       |   |
          B1           |   |
                        "I"
                        ___
                       | u |
                        """
We're clearing all the portals since the Exp is so good.  So, go east and then
west to get them all.
                ___
               | u |
                "I"
   B2           ___
               |   |
       |-|  ___|   |___  |-|
       | |=|     M    c|=| |
  ___|"M |  """""""""""  | M"|___
 |      /                \      |
  "I""""                  """"I"
  ___                        ___
 |c  |                      |   |
 |   |                      |   |
 | M |                      | M |
 |   |          ___         |   |
 |   |         | d |         """
  "I"           "I"
  ___    ___    ___    ___   __
 |kg |==|c k|==| k |==|c k|=|KgI
  """    """    """    """   ""
Same strategy here as the first block.  Kick butt, take names.

Dark Maidens are a quick kill with the Thunder skills Kite and Wiseman have.
You can get the Rare item Heh Heh Heh from Data Draining them I kid you not.
The third block is straight-forward, so I won't bother with a map.  Keep going
north to the last room for a scene.

Skeith's wand will appear and break, thus setting (the real) Sora free from the
grip of Morganna.  Kite will receive Sora's Blades.

 Carmina Gadelica--

Now that the party is level 70, store the Rare items, sell the junk, and switch
to the Sigma server.

-------------Testing Contained Aftermath-------------

                ~~Part 1: Planners and Schemers~~

 Fort Ouph--

Make the usual preparations before fighting one of the eight phases or Cubia.
Kite needs 65 Antidotes and Restoratives, 75 Recovery Drinks, 20 Resurrects,
12 or more of every Blood item, and 50 Mage's Souls.  This is the last time I
will ask for the latter before switching over to Artisan's Souls.  You may want
to bring a bunch more The Hanged Man scrolls.

Wiseman and BlackRose should each have their usual stock of 20 Restoratives and
Antidotes, 10 Resurrects, and some Recovery Drinks.

 (E) Chatting Snaring Twins--

# of Field Portals: 16
# of Dungeon Portals: 11
# of Symbols: 1
Spring of Myst: n/a

Monsters: Lich, Stare, Hand of God, Star Viking (D), Dark Maiden (D), Gorre (B)

You may or may not remember being in this area before.  The last time we were
here, the monsters were in the lower 50s, and we saved Balmungs butt from the
Data Bug at the bottom.  This time, the monsters are in the upper 60s, and the
monster at the bottom is Gorre.  Let's go!

It's true.  The Lich is here.  Take them out like before.  Stare likes to Charm
your allies when it's not throwing a strong Fire spell at you.  2128 Drain one
to get Two Together.  Otherwise, beat it down while Wiseman heals.  Hand of God
has the Rare item Last Tess.  If BlackRose still has the Sakabatou equipped,
then she can help kill them using Gan Drive.

   * Between Blades of Bond and Two Together, I still prefer the former.  Your
          Thunder attacks are strong enough already.  No need to weaken other
          Elements to improve it.

Sadly, Wiseman will be reduced to heals during the field.  I still recommend
you clear the portals since the Exp is good.  The party will be level 71 before
you reach the dungeon.

If you need a map, look at the one provided during our first visit here.  Head
north on the first block to the stairs.

On the second block, head north to the fork, and choose west or east.  It won't
matter since they meet before the stairs.

On the third block, go east from the first fork ONLY if you want to clear the
portals.  I suggest you do.  What can it hurt besides time?

Once you get to the fourth block, STOP!!!  As you can see in about a second,
there is only one room on this block unlike the last time we were here.  Use
Ap Do and one of each Blood item on everyone in the party.  Yes, Ap Do even on
Wiseman.  Step through the purple smoke to encounter Phase 5: The Machinator,
Gorre, when you are set.

***Gorre***
HP:          Inf.
P.Res/M.Res: Magic (blue); Physical (yellow)
Element:     None
Rec.Lvl:       71

It may look like two different enemies, but they are linked.  Hit one, and they
take the damage together.  Note how one target has Magic tolerance while the
other one resists Physical attacks.

Earthquake - Gorre's heads jump and slam into the ground to deal damage to its
     nearby enemies.

Flare/Wave of Conspiracy - The heads plot, and then they shoot a big attack at
     an character.  Heal this.

Creeping Murder - A single person is targeted with a fire attack that hits the
     whole party.  Use Recovery Drinks on everyone.

Blade of Scheme - The heads encircle a target to do a powerful, and possibly
     fatal, elemental spell.  This has the potential of hitting anyone else who
     is standing too close to the target.  Revive/heal/rebuff.

Suvi Lei/ Mumyn Lei/ Miu Lei - Status effects.  Heal with items, or call for
     First Aid if Kite is hit

Data Drain - All status ailments on one person.  Heal your aly or have them
     heal Kite A.S.A.P.

Dek Do - Counter this by using Ap Do on whomever Dek Do was cast.

How do we do this?  The common strategy is to set the party to skills, and then
designate targets so that Wiseman only casts spells on the head with the yellow
gem while BlackRose takes on the head with the blue gem.  If you had brought
Balmung instead of Wiseman, then both allies would be attack the one with the
blue gem.  Kite will be in charge of heals when he isn't attacking the same one
as BlackRose.  When the Protect Break finally happens, use Data Drain.

You will get a Virus Core V, and Gorre's HP will be down to 6000.  As another
great bonus to the Data Drain, the tolerance to attacks and spells will be no
more.  It will be able to do some level 4 spells at this point, so just heal as
needed while the whole party brings this thing down.
***End of Battle***

It was a sucess.  No major damage was done to the system by destroying on of
the phases.  However, the Cursed Wave is on the move again.  Kite has realized
something about The World . . . allegedly.

Watch the credits, or go to annother room while they run, and then save the
Data Flag for //Outbreak.  We have more work to do.  Note also that beating the
third volume has opened Images 57-66 to be viewed on the desktop.

                ~~Part 2: Wrapped for Containment~~

     Email:
          MIN@BANDAI sends two messages.  One explains the Data Flag in case
               somehow don't already know about it.  The other tells you about
               the bonus dungeon at (^) Pulsating Sea of Cloud Whale
     Board:
          //Outbreak's final golden goblin challenge.  (E) Detestable Gambler's
               Gate is where you'll find Martina T now as long you've beaten
               the others.
     Email:
          Everyone except for BlackRose sends a message depending on how high
               their Affection levels are with you.  This is not to be confused
               with the Email chains.

Speaking of Email chains, let's get everyone's out of the way already.  You may
have noticed that BlackRose has TWO messages to respond to.  "Current Events"
is the start of her chain for //Outbreak.  The other one could have been given
its answer (and the response received) earlier in the game.  Reply to this one
message from her with "Ah... no"

Make sure everybody's Affection (minus Elk, Mia Orca, and Mistral) is at 710 or
higher before you do this.  Each good email response grants 10 Affection, thus
bring all 12 characters to //Outbreak's cap of 750 Affection.  What's the quick
way of raising everyone's Affection?  Go to the Weapon Shop in Sigma's root
town to upgrade everyone's armor.  Give treasure items to Balmung, too.  Other
gifts were given to BlackRose through the game.  As for the email chains, I've
provided the responses below in order.  BlackRose, Wiseman, and Balmung each go
to a total of five messages in their chains.

   * As usual, I leave you in charge of reading the messages if you desire to.
          Give the needed reply, go to The World without logging in, and then
          come back for the next message to respond to.
     Terajima Ryoko:
       1) Thank you
       2) I See
       3) Field Trip
        * Chain Ending for Volume 3
     BlackRose:
       1) Really?
       2) Unusual Weather
       3) Like Swarms?
       4) Adventure Flick
        * Chain Ending for Volume 3
     Wiseman:
       1) No
       2) What's it Like?
       3) Sounds interesting
       4) Digimon Cards...
        * Chain Ending for Volume 3
     Balmung:
       1) Hmmm
       2) Yeah it might be
       3) That's not true
       4) I don't know
        * Chain Ending for Volume 3
     Piros:
       1) Friendship
       2) No...
       3) Friends?
        * Chain Ending for Volume 3
     Sanjuro:
       1) Yeah
       2) Yeah
       3) Ambidextrous
        * Chain Ending for Volume 3
     Gardenia:
       1) Cute
       2) What about them?
       3) Don't kiss up?
        * Chain Ending for Volume 3
     Natsume:
       1) Food
       2) Good enough!
       3) Beef Stew
        * Chain Ending for Volume 3
     Moonstone:
       1) Dog?
       2) Puppies
       3) 30 minutes!!
        * Chain Ending for Volume 3
     Marlo:
       1) Coolness
       2) Sounds like
       3) Wannabe
        * Chain Ending for Volume 3
     Rachel:
       1) Badminton?
       2) Too dry
       3) Art Class
        * Chain Ending for Volume 3
     Nuke Usagimaru:
       1) I see
       2) I see
       3) Man!
        * Chain Ending for Volume 3

With that done, log in.

 Fort Ouph--

We need to prepare just to take on Martina T, so let's do some relatively quick
areas.  You will not need to clear the fields or dungeons, but there will be
some things to look for in each one.  I suggest bringing Wiseman and Natsume.
I've listed these areas in order of level.  They're obtained outside the game.
Bring your own Fairy's Orbs for the dungeons.

   * Between dungeons, you might want to do a random low-level area to clean up
          Kite's Infection level.  That makes this all the more tedious.  Try
          to find an area with a Myst of Spring.  Sometimes, you'll luck out
          enough to not need a clean-up area at all.
 (E) Noisy Sacred Ringing Ears - The Gott Statue has the 3-Floor Tower, and
          the one chest west of the 1st fork on B4 has Lady's Cap.  The latter
          can save on Recovery Drinks and Hanged Man scrolls, but it brings
          down your physical defense and has no boost in Elemental stats.  Have
          it in your inventory when needed.
 (E) Unusual Ghostly Remnant - The Data Bug ^u[G/&)
 | d |         |c  |
  """          |   |
               | M |
               |   |
       B2      |   |
                "I"
                ___
               | u |
                """
Someone call for a mirror?  Keep up the good work.
                ___
               | u |
     B3         "I"
                ___
               |   |
  _______   ___|   |___    ___    _______
 | M    c|=|     M    c|==|g k|==|     M |
 |   |"""   """""""""""    """    """|   |
 |   |                               |  c|
  "I"                                 "I"
  ___                   ___           ___
 |c  |                 | d |         |c k|
 |   |                  "I"           "I"
 |   |                  ___        ______
 |   |                _/   \_     /      |
 |   |___________   _/   g   \_  | M_|"""
 | M             |=|   /"""\   |=| |
  """""""""""""""   """     """  |-|
Since the Exp is STILL good when you're level 72, you might as well clear the
dungeon's portals.  You likely won't level from this alone, but it'll still be
a good way to start the next volume.

On the fourth block, go north until you reach the purple smoke.  Buff everyone
up before stepping through.

***Black Death***
HP:           9999
P.Res/M.Res: Magic
Element:      None
Rec.Lvl:        72

Set everyone to use Magic.  Do not let BlackRose run up to the boss at all.
Everyone should keep their distance for safety reasons, but you also do not
any physical attacks to hit this boss if you wish to Data Drain it.  As you can
see from the stats, the boss has a natural tolerance to magic.  While Wiseman
and BlackRose are casting spells, use a Beast's Bane until one works.

Like I said, do not let BlackRose get within melee range.  When she finishes a
spell, call for magic again.  Immediately after you issue the command, cast a
spell yourself.  You should get a good rhythm going.  Once you've dealt enough
damage (~8000) to Black Death, you will see a Protect Break.  Use Data Drain!

   * If BlackRose still gets just a little close, then the fire breath can hit
          her.  Be ready to heal!  You should be ready anyways with the Mage's
          Souls or Artisan's Souls.
   * If Beast's Bane wears off, then use another.  You do not want this boss to
          be able to move and kill off your characters.

For the Successful Data Drain, you will get the Golden Yasha.  Finish off the
Little Doggie that appears.
***End of Battle***

For beating Black Death, you also unlock Images 67-76 on the desktop.  You'll
leave automatically.

 Carmina Gadelica--

Sell and restock one last time before you save.  Everything in //Outbreak has
been done.  Go get //Quarantine!
                                                      ***End of Walkthrough***

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
V. Perfect Game Checklist
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-------------Book of 1000-------------

Also known as Ryu Books in the .hack series, these record your progress.  The
more you do in the game(s), the more you're rewarded.

                ~~Ryu Book I~~

# of Data Drains needed: 10
Type of Records: The time played and the number of times you left town for an
     area.

   * 10 areas                      * 5:00:00 hours
   * 20 areas                      * 10:00:00 hours
   * 30 areas                      * 20:00:00 hours
   * 40 areas                      * 25:00:00 hours
   * 50 areas                      * 30:00:00 hours
   * 60 areas                      * 35:00:00 hours
   * 70 areas                      * 40:00:00 hours
   * 80 areas                      * 45:00:00 hours
   * 90 areas
   * 100 areas
   * 110 areas
   * 120 areas
   * 130 areas
   * 140 areas
   * 150 areas

Follow my guide, fill the other Ryu Books, and complete the Checklist at the
bottom of this section.  It's that easy if you're continuing from the previous
volume.  It will be very time consuming if not.

                ~~Ryu Book II~~

# of Data Drains needed: 20
Type of Records: Magic Portals stuff

   * 50 portals opened                    * 5 all field portals cleared
   * 100 portals opened                   * 10 all field portals cleared
   * 150 portals opened                   * 15 all field portals cleared
   * 200 portals opened                   * 20 all field portals cleared
   * 300 portals opened                   * 25 all field portals cleared
   * 400 portals opened                   * 30 all field portals cleared
   * 450 portals opened
   * 500 portals opened
   * 550 portals opened                   * 10 all dungeon portals cleared
   * 600 portals opened                   * 15 all dungeon portals cleared
   * 700 portals opened                   * 25 all dungeon portals cleared
   * 800 portals opened                   * 35 all dungeon portals cleared
   * 900 portals opened                   * 45 all dungeon portals cleared
   * 1000 portals opened                  * 55 all dungeon portals cleared
   * 1100 portals opened
   * 1200 portals opened

Having converted from //Mutation, this shouldn't be hard.  Follow my guide as
far as suggestions as to where to clear and my notes of where you do not have
to clear, and this will pass right by you over the course of this volume.

                ~~Ryu Book III~~

# of Data Drains needed: 30
Type of Records: Interaction with players

   * 20 names registered
   * 30 names registered
   * 40 names registered
   * 50 names registered
   * 5 trades made
   * 10 trades made
   * 15 trades made
   * 20 trades made
   * 25 trades made
   * 30 trades made
   * 35 trades made

Talk to people every time you're in town.  Having 50 or more won't be a problem
if you did this from the start.  Use this book to see who has what to offer for
trade as well as to see if they're online (meaning in the same town as you).
You can trade crap for crap, but I always suggest trading for rare items and
for as many of the stat boosting items as possible.

                ~~Ryu Book IV~~

# of Data Drains needed: 40
Type of Records: Monster Album.  Kill one, know lots about it.

   * 50 monsters
   * 80 monsters
   * 120 monsters
   * 160 monsters
   * 200 monsters
   * 240 monsters

In //Mutation, we left off with 177/303 monsters met.  By the end of this
installment, the count should be 244/303.  Please note that some of the listed
monsters below are event monsters that only appear once.  At this point, I have
to ask why you would just now be picking up the games?

   001: Razine           - Lv. 0  - (8) Lonely Geothermal Treasure Gem
   002: Swordmanoid      - Lv. 2  - (A) Expansive Haunted Sea of Sand
   003: Gladiator        - Lv.21  - (A) Buried Pagan Fiery Sands
   004: Ochimusha        - Lv.16  - (8) Hidden Primitive Treasure Gem
   005: Nobunaga Soul    - Lv.40  - (^) Bitter Hot-blooded Sand Trap
   006: Heavy Metal      - Lv.14  - (A) Plenteous Smiling Hypha
   007: Phalanx          - Lv.31  - (^) Nameless Seeker's Prairie
   008: Dark Rider       - Lv.26  - (8) Lonely Passed Over Aqua Field
   009: Dark Horse       - Lv.45  - (^) Scattering Fossil's Milestone
   010: Nightmare        - Lv.65  - (E) Fleeting Fallow Chaos
   011: Tetra Armor      - Lv.30  - (8) Lonely Geothermal Treasure Gem
   012: Squidbod         - Lv.49  - (^) Chosen Light Trap Twin Hills
   013: General Armor    - Lv.19  - (A) Generous Astigmatic Fiery Sands
   014: Porolin          - Lv. 0  - (A) Discovered Primitive Touchtone
   015: Mummy Ripper     - Lv. 7  - (A) Closed Oblivious Twin Hills
   016: Mummy Scissors   - Lv.38  - (^) Bottomless Hopeless Footstep
   017: Temple Knight    - Lv.44  - (^) Blooming Promised Walkway
   018: Holy Knight      - Lv.56  - (E) Dolorous Promised Clavicle
   019: Hand of God      - Lv.67  - (E) Chatting Snaring Twins
   020: Cadet Valkyrie   - Lv. 5  - (A) Discovered Primitive Touchstone
   021: Fresh Valkyrie   - Lv.21  - (A) Buried Pagan Fiery Sands
   022: Valkyrie         - Lv.36  - (^) Bottomless Guffawing Raw Ore
   023: Long Lived       - Lv. 0  - (^) Hidden Vengeful Twin Hills
   024: Grand Mage       - Lv.23  - (8) Great Distant Fertile Land
   025: Grand Cold       - Lv.33  - (^) Collapsed Pagan Remains
   026: Grand Electric   - Lv.43  - (^) Blooming Promised Walkway
   027: Forest Hsien     - Lv.53  - (E) Cracked Worst Milestone
   028: Dark Guru        - Lv.63  - (E) Resonating False Grasslands
   030: Inferno          - Lv.45  - (^) Scattering Fossil's Milestone
   031: Ancient          - Lv.48  - (^) Lightless Sacred Remains
   032: Evil Horn        - Lv.60  - (E) Closed Evil-Eyed Sea of Sand
   033: Lich             - Lv.69  - (^) Stalking Betrayed Nothingness
   036: Flamer           - Lv. 0  - (^) Collapsed Pagan Remains
   037: Fire Witch       - Lv.20  - (8) Cursed Despaired Paradise
   038: Water Witch      - Lv.14  - (8) Soft Solitary Tri Pansy
   039: Dark Witch       - Lv.19  - (8) Collapsed Momentary Spiral
   040: Hysteria         - Lv.32  - (^) Collapsed Pagan Remains
   041: Druid Witch      - Lv.41  - (^) Dazzling Sage's Arctic
   042: Mad Witch        - Lv.47  - (^) Pulsating Worst Core
   043: Earth Maiden     - Lv.52  - (E) Chatting Snaring Twins
   044: Spark Maiden     - Lv.58  - (E) Closed Evil-Eyed Sea of Sand
   045: Dark Maiden      - Lv.68  - (^) Stalking Betrayed Nothingness
   049: Kakasinger       - Lv. 0  - (8) Putrid Corrupted White Devil
   050: Guardian         - Lv.12  - (8) Quiet Eternal White Devil
   051: Metal Eraser     - Lv.33  - (^) Hidden Vengeful Twin Hills
   052: Metal Emperor    - Lv.17  - (8) Detestable Agonizing Nothingness
   053: House Golem      - Lv.50  - (^) Pulsating Worst Core
   054: Earthman Drill   - Lv.63  - (E) Fleeting Fallow Chaos
   055: Hou=Go&m         - Lv.58  - (E) Generous Bemused Virgin
   057: Mu Guardian      - Lv.28  - (8) Putrid Corrupted White Devil
   058: Nega Guardian    - Lv.59  - (E) Closed Evil-Eyed Sea of Sand
   060: ^u[G/&)