All right, time to enter stage 3-6: Wooden Platforms.
Ein wonders whether the bridge we're on will hold, but Cierra insists that it's safer than the stone paths, because the tree won't break it as it grows. We then move to the next area and, wonder of wonders, Cierra falls. One command minigame later, I've saved her and earned 2000 points. I then complain about not having wings to get a Serene affection drop, and we move on.
This area contains some lizardmen and a wyrm, all of whom are weak to ice. As such, they go down easily and give me a Wyvern Wing (replaces the Ice Orb). I can then examine something shiny in a nearby branch, which turns out to be a Mana Wisp (you remember those, right?). I ask Cierra to get it, and she does so with an earthquake, of all things. This grants us all stat boosts, and 3000 points.
Anyway, we return to the previous screen (with NO indication that this will do anything, mind you), and find a squirrel. I promptly catch it via a command minigame for 2000 points, before releasing it for a Cierra affection boost. Anyway, Serene can master that Wyvern Wing from before, and this is what she gets:
Serene:
- Wyvern Wing: Wind Cutter: Level 2, 1-hit physical non-elemental attack for 25% of the target's HP, unavoidable
Anyway, that's it for this area, so on to 3-7: Colony Remains.
Lina immediately comments on the massive eggs in this area, which Cierra identifies as wyrm eggs. She also mentions that wyrms only form colonies far above the ground, which suggests that we're near the top of the ruins.
Anyway, there's some ivy I can examine. Cierra identifies this as Kerlu, otherwise known as Slumber Ivy. She mentions that it can be used to make rope, and that the bridge from before probably used it. I proceed to pull it out by way of a mash minigame, producing a global Strength boost, some Slumber Ivy for me (replaces the Wyvern Wing), and 1000 points.
I should note that, while most characters will throw Slumber Ivy at a random target for 3 damage, Cierra can hit every enemy with it, removing 10% of their HP (both attacks can inflict Sleep status). This will be relevant in exactly two battles, and I guarantee that you'll have forgotten that I have this by then.
Anyway, I move in the only available direction to the next area, where we are immediately accosted by a wandering bandit and his pet gorilla (and also a mage). I kill the bandit last and obtain a Power Wrist (replacing the Happy Plume).
Moving on, we encounter some more eggs, which can be examined. Doing so causes one of those woodlice from earlier to show up (just one). It dies easily enough. This screen also has a random treasure chest on it, but it doesn't contain anything of interest so I leave it.
With that, we're done with that area, and I'll leave it there for now. Next time, we'll finish our business in Nelde!
