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Artifact #3 is an old journal discovered by Dr. Julian on 23rd Moon, 6844 under a pile of rubble near the entrance of the Temple of Eternity. All attempts to locate the original owner of the diary have failed. Section One of the journal documents the first few days in the life of an Archon newly arrived to Monato Esprit.
1st Moon, 6842
Since I appeared on the shores of Moonrise Beach, I haven't been able to remember much about my other life outside of the dreamworld. Somehow, it doesn't seem to matter. Here in Monato Esprit, I'm Laszlo, and I'm an Archon. My new life in the dreamworld has just begun, and something tells me that great deeds and high adventures lie in store for me. A cool breeze blows from the sea as I sit beneath the starlight and write these words. I cannot wait to begin!
A number of guides have helped me get my bearings in this strange and wonderful land. They told me that the world was once a peaceful paradise, created by the Basileus Crystal as a haven for wayward dreamers. Generations of Archons before me built magnificent cities that still stand somewhere far away. Now everything has changed. Nightmares have fallen on Monato Esprit, corrupting the peaceful plants and animals into monsters. I've seen these evil beasts swarming across the countryside. Some of them were once simple crops, like the Leeks over in the next field, but now they're controlled by an evil force.
My guides have told me that all Archons must stand against these nightmares. I will have to learn everything I can about battle and magic in order to save this world. Through my adventures, I will learn the skills to combat this evil and defeat it. I am Laszlo, the Archon, and this was my first day in Monato Esprit.
2nd Moon, 6842
This day was very productive, and I'm learning quickly. A soldier named Jack gave me a small Knife and showed me how to use my magical abilities to fight these evil Leeks. It didn’t take long for me to develop a strategy. Leeks are rather stupid, and will not attack until I strike the first blow. I use my Stone Pitch skill to smack them right between their beady eyes from a distance. I have a great throwing arm, if I do say so myself. Once the Leek charges at me, I use Bash to deliver a crushing blow. It doesn't take much more than that to defeat the Leek and move on. All this fighting has made me hungry for some homemade potato leek soup. Mmmm!
Fighting isn't all fun and games, though. These Leeks can hit hard with those whip-like stems. I've taken more than a few hard knocks. Luckily, Jack showed me how to heal myself. There are large glowing Crystals all over Monato Esprit that will heal my wounds until I feel as good as new. Another guide named Hilly taught me how to brew my own Potions. The Red Potions taste like peppermint and make me feel like I could fight for three weeks straight. The Blue Potions never taste the same way twice and make me feel more alert and focused. Ingredients are limited, so I try to save my potions for emergencies only.
3rd Moon, 6842
I plunged into my first dungeon today. A guide named Rhea has been trapping various monsters in an underground cellar, and I was asked to help clear the place out a bit. The dungeon was a maze of dim rooms and hallways, ominously lit with flickering candelabras. It was hard not to get lost. The monsters in the dungeon looked harmless and almost cute, but they were very dangerous. Every room presented a tough fight, and soon I felt completely exhausted. Just as I started to think about turning back, I caught sight of a large silvernion lurking in the gloom. As a chill ran down my spine, I ran back to the entrance and escaped.
Rhea thanked me for clearing out some of the monsters from the dungeon. I didn't mention the silvery creature to her because I felt a little ashamed for running away. If I ever go back into Rhea's dungeon, I think I'll bring some friends along to help me out. That's all for now. Maybe tomorrow I'll get a chance to prove my bravery.
4th Moon, 6842
Today was a day of hard lessons. I feel lucky to be alive and writing in this journal. After a busy morning chopping down some rambunctious fungi, I stumbled upon a small cluster of Leeks, including those nasty Leek Warriors with their mace stems. I plunged into the fray and was happily vanquishing the evil nightmares when a large shadow fell across me. Up I looked to see a Giant Leek towering over me, massive, bronze and horrible. Every instinct told me to flee, but I steeled myself and stood my ground. The Leek glowered at me and poised to strike. I shouted a mighty war cry and charged the foul beast.
I don't remember much of what happened next. I know that I scored several solid hits that landed with satisfying thumps, but the Giant Leek barely seemed to notice. Its massive stem whacked me with crushing blows that sent my head spinning. I cracked open my emergency Potions, but I couldn't drink them fast enough, and then the world went a little black.
Somehow I awoke on the shores near Weber's house. I felt a little sore, but otherwise I was perfectly fine. It took me a while to remember that the Crystals of Monato Esprit will protect Archons who fight against the nightmares. Without them, I'd be a goner. Still, my clothes are all torn up, and I wasted a bunch of good Potions. I suppose I'll have to find a balance between bravery and foolishness.
5th Moon, 6842
Today a guide named Bella told me all about the currency system here, called MetaTIX™. I'm broke right now, but apparently these MetaTIX™ can be used in all sorts of other worlds outside of Monato Esprit. If I ever get some, I'll be sure to spend them wisely.
Later in the day, I saw another young Archon fighting a tiny little scarecrow. She gave it a good whacking and afterwards we chatted for a little while. Today was her first day in Monato Esprit, so I grouped up with her and helped her fight some of the smaller monsters around Moonrise Beach. It was fun to have someone to talk to while roaming around the countryside. I thought about suggesting that we hunt down that silvernion in the dungeon, but she was still too young to take that sort of risk. We parted ways in the evening, but I think I made a friend, and I promised that I'd check in on her from time to time.
6th Moon, 6842
The time has come to move on. Weber tells me that I've learned all there is to learn at Moonrise Beach, and my adventures in the wide world of Monato Esprit are just beginning. At the end of my training, he handed me a magical Escape Scroll. By reading the arcane text on the scroll, I'll be instantly teleported to a city called Isildra. I'm a little overwhelmed by the idea of visiting an entire city of Archons. I hope I don't get lost.
Weber also told me that I'll have to join a class in Isildra if I want to continue gaining skills and power. I've worked hard to learn the basics as a Novice, but now the kid gloves are coming off. I have an opportunity to join the elite warriors and magicians of Monato Esprit, and really make a difference. I haven't been this excited since the day I arrived in the dreamworld. Tomorrow I'll write all about my first day in Isildra.
7th Moon, 6842
What a day! I hardly know where to begin. Isildra is a beautiful city that sparkles with crystals of all shapes and sizes. As I write these words, I'm sitting on a balcony in Kai Falls Plaza as a magnificent waterfall roars down from above me. Even in these troubled times, the city feels alive with magic and energy. I wonder if all the dreamworld's cities are as enchanting as Isildra!
I've met so many new people today that I'm struggling to keep track of them all. Most of them were very friendly and helpful. Salvador, the Lord of Isildra, was noble and polite, though I could tell that he's under a great deal of pressure keeping the city safe. He gave me a few gifts and welcomed me to his city. That was very nice of him.
I also met the Marketer, a very intelligent young man who talked circles around me. I could barely keep up with half of what he said, but the parts that I did understand were very wise. I'm sure he puts that brain power to use as the manager of the Consignment Store. Archons go to him to buy and sell their items. He has to keep track of all the items and remember their prices and everything. As soon as I get some MetaTIX™, I'll have to do some shopping and get something cool.
Not everyone was nice, however. I stopped by the Inn with the hope of taking a midday nap, but Ivy, the hostess, practically knocked my head off before I could even open my mouth. That lady is scary, so I don't think I'll go back there. Dana, the tailor, said that Ivy used to be very friendly, but the nightmares have turned her sour. Nowadays she's only nice when she's thinking about her secret crush, but Dana wouldn't tell me the name of the lucky gentleman.
I could write all night about the interesting characters around Isildra, but I'm feeling pretty sleepy, so I think I'll just end here. Tomorrow I'm going to go find Zoe at the Bank and learn about joining a new class.
8th Moon, 6842
Templar Laszlo reporting for duty! Yes, today I have joined the honored ranks of the Templars, and I feel great about it, but perhaps I should start from the beginning. Zoe told me all about the various classes that I can join. I'm more of a hands-on person, I think, so the warrior classes most interested me. The Hwarang are a noble society of fighters who wield gigantic two-handed swords. Sometimes I see them running by with those swords resting on their shoulders. I wonder how they manage not to cut themselves in half! In the end, the Templars interested me more. I would rather stand my ground with a sturdy shield to protect me than rush into battle like those Hwarang. Templars are also dedicated to defending the holy and magical places of Monato Esprit. After my tour of Isildra yesterday, I can see why that job is so important.
Unfortunately, my Templar trainer Angelo seems more interested in himself than his job as a holy defender. He nearly put me to sleep talking about his great fame and heroic deeds. Something tells me that he's not half as famous as he thinks he is. His poor pet Puma looked even more bored than I was. Anyway, in order to become a Templar, I had to hunt Wasps and strange little creatures called Cabbageheads. The wasps were a little scary. They were the first flying nightmare I'd ever seen, and their stingers poked me full of holes. The Cabbageheads were a lot less scary, looking like little walking salads. Do people have nightmares about cabbages?
Once I completed my trials, Angelo admitted me into the order of the Templar. It's time to leave behind my life as a simple Novice and become a full citizen of Monato Esprit. Angelo gave me a nice new suit of heavy armor, a proper Longsword, and a sturdy shield. I certainly look the part, and I've even learned a neat new skill called Divine Blade, which lets me channel my new magical powers into a crushing blow with my sword. Evil nightmares beware, Laszlo the Templar is here!
9th Moon, 6842
The area to the east of Isildra is the Rolling Hills Vineyard. I visited the family that runs the vineyard and they seemed like nice folks. Well, the two parents were nice at least. I think their troublemaker son Claude threw a fish at me while my back was turned. I guess I can’t be too mad at him. His parents are busy managing a vineyard that is always under attack by monsters. They're just too busy to raise him properly.
Everyone else around Isildra is busy, too. I spent most of today running errands for people. No one seems to have enough time to get everything done. They usually thank me for my help and give me a little trinket. I've built up quite a collection of Potions, equipment, and other useful things. Pretty soon I'll have to start storing my extra items in the Bank. I hope it's as safe as Zoe claims.
While running back and forth through the city, I've noticed those security agents in black suits eyeballing me. At least, I assume that they're eyeballing me. Their dark sunglasses make it hard to tell just what they're looking at. Max gave me an introduction to Isildra when I first arrived, but he seemed very suspicious of me. I wonder if there are any nightmares that look like Archons. That would be scary. Besides asking a lot of questions and taking themselves very seriously, I'm not sure what those security agents do. I'd go ask Salvador, but I think he's got too much on his mind already.
10th Moon, 6842
I've been feeding three little birds around Crystal Plaza. I think they're too young to fly away, or perhaps they're frightened of the nightmares outside the city. I named the red one "Sue," and the blue ones are "Jerry" and "Balthazar Tiberius Rex." I don't think Captain Johnson appreciates me sprinkling breadcrumbs all over Crystal Plaza. Uh oh, he's coming over here...
12th Moon, 6842
I've been venturing farther away from the protection of Isildra lately and seeing all sorts of interesting sights. Today I discovered Kanna's Flower Garden, a beautiful park to the southeast of Isildra. Kanna is friendly and a very hard worker. She explained that she inherited the garden from her parents, who taught her everything they knew about gardening. The garden has been a popular picnic spot for hundreds of years, but lately it's become infested with some noisy and foul-tempered parrots. It's amazing how nightmares can twist such harmless little animals into monsters. I helped Kanna out by bird-hunting all day.
As I was taking a break and sipping some water from the fountain, I noticed that Kanna's helper Broso was trying to build a fence between the garden and Needle Leaf Forest, which lies just over a hill. Apparently some evil sprite has taken control of the forest and wrangled up all sorts of monsters. I don't envy Kanna for living so close to that evil place. I wandered into the forest, just to see what it looks like, but the place was way too spooky for me. I ran back out and told Broso that maybe someday soon I'll return and help him sort out his problem.
13th Moon, 6842
I've been picking up some new equipment lately in my adventures. Early this morning I found a Sharp Longsword after defeating a Blue Parrot. I wonder how that bird managed to swallow such a dangerous morsel. The sword swings like a dream and I've already noticed a big difference in my battles with nightmares. Just a few hours ago I also found a Cadet's Coat, perfect for a young Templar like me. It fits like it was custom tailored. Now I'm on the lookout for a full suit of Cadet armor.
15th Moon, 6842
I've been having so many adventures that I've forgotten to write about them. A few days ago I joined up with a nice party of Archons and we cleared out the first floor of Isildra's Warehouse. It was a tough job, but with our powers combined we managed to hunt down the boss of the dungeon and finally defeat it. I'm a little bit jealous of the powers displayed by some of my old party members. Our Cleric kept everyone in fighting condition with his Heal skill, and the Mage hurled Magic Missiles with amazing effect. I also take back what I said earlier about Hwarang. They aren't reckless or wild at all; they simply have a different outlook about battle. The dungeon was much less spooky with some companions by my side, and I feel honored to have fought with them.
I'm too sleepy to write about any more of my recent adventures. I've got to get some rest and start having more adventures!
17th Moon, 6842
Finally I feel like a complete Archon! I got my first pair of wings today! I'd noticed that there are a bunch of Beetles in the countryside surrounding Kanna's Flower Garden. Sometimes from a distance one of the Beetles would look strange. Other times I'd see what looked like an Archon standing around a group of Beetles. Finally I tracked this phony Archon down and discovered it to be Kafka, an evil little nightmare faker that looks like an Archon and pretends to be a bug. It attacked me with two giant arm-blades, but it was no match for me. I defeated the foul creature and discovered a pair of Beetle Wings. They're not the most glamorous wings I've ever seen, but I think they look pretty good on me. My wingless days are officially over.
20th Moon, 6842
Perhaps I've bitten off more than I can chew. I've traveled far away from Isildra to a place called Cherry Blossom Village, a charming little town that is completely surrounded by vicious nightmares. These monsters are a lot tougher than I'm used to, but I've had some success. Perhaps I should focus on the positive. I found a Steel Shield, which has saved my neck on a few occasions, and a new Saber. I've also found some Quilted Armor, and that's helped a lot. It's much heavier than my old armor, but it sure does take a beating!
I hear that to the west of here is a fabulous city called Holinhigh. I sure could use a break from these nightmares, but I think I'll stick around for at least a little while longer. I caught sight of a big creepy temple up north that is guarded by a fellow Templar. I suppose it's my duty to go pay a visit.
21st Moon, 6842
Doyle, the Templar I spotted yesterday, has convinced me to go inside the Temple of Eternity and sort the place out. I don't see how I can refuse a brother Templar. He's been stationed in this lonely post for years now, and he seems a little odd. I don't know how safe the Temple is for an Archon of my abilities, but this is no time for cowardice. I'm sure it will be okay. Doyle seems to think I'm equal to the task, and who else can I trust but a Templar? Yes, I'm sure I'll be fine. He's looking at me right now, with his hand on the door, waiting for me to stop writing and send me in. As soon as I stop writing, I'll have to go.
Doyle had some very good reasons why he couldn't be the one to go, and I'm the only other Archon here. It's me or no one. Yes, it's all up to me. I'll face my fears just as soon as I finish this very important journal entry. Not that I'm afraid of a silly old tomb. No, sir! Not me. No fear from Laszlo the Brave. Laszlo the Courageous. Laszlo the Daring. What are some other words for "brave?" I'll have to sit here and think of more.
Oh, what am I doing? I should get this over with. Here I go. I'm putting my pen down and stepping into the scary, cold, dark crypt. I'm sure everything will turn out fine. Bye.

