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Max's Diary
Content Warning: Brief mention of sexual harassment at part 9.
Entries: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 End of strategy guide Translation Notes
Month of the Crimson Sparrow, Day 23
Is something happening at the Gate of the Ancients? Because of this and that, His Majesty entrusted me with this task, so we went to check the gate. When we arrived, a Rune Knight and some others were there, looking for a key to the seal. We have to drive these guys out before anything else...
Just as we were about to fight, an earthquake struck. Our heads were spinning, so we retreated to a mountain hut. We were lucky, because Gong was in that hut and became our ally. Nice. If these things keep happening, even someone with little real experience like me might be able to do something. We went back to the gate and started the fight again. But, those dwarves swinging their axes are really scary. I really have no choice but to let everyone else do their best. That’s why I don’t wanna stop being a leader anytime soon. Heheh.
Month of the Crimson Sparrow, Day 27
I worried about what that Rune Knight said, so we left the Gate of the Ancients right away. But, Guardiana was already surrounded by Runefaust’s forces. We had to hurry. His Majesty was in danger.
I wanted to go back in just a couple of seconds with the carriage, but the one we took to the gate was nowhere to be found. I didn’t expect to get robbed in a place like that. With no other choice, we had to go back on foot while fighting. And, going through mountain terrain sucks. Felt like we had used all our power before the battle even started. As I thought, by the time we got to the bridge near Guardiana, Lowe and Gong had already used up all their magic. No one can even hide how exhausted they are. Huh, what? Hans looks just fine though. Since he just shoots with his bow. It’s kinda unfair.
Month of the Crimson Sparrow, Day 35
We’re chasing Cain, who went to Alterone. This time, Mae and Gort have joined us. Both are pretty strong, so that’s a relief. But we couldn’t relax yet. There were Huge Bats. Their agility is high, and their movement is absurd...
If that wasn’t enough, their fangs can infect you with something that puts you in a deep sleep. Because of that, people kept falling asleep on their feet again and again. I felt like we should have just booked a night at Hotel Guardiana if that’s how it was gonna be. To counter that, I had Ken weaken them up with the Spear, then dealt the final blows myself. These combos born of mutual trust are what lead to victory after all.
Month of the Green Swallow, Day 7
Unlike the other battles until now, we had to battle the Runefaust army within the city of Alterone. When I think of the people that are gonna have to clean all that up, my heart hurts a little.
But, we had to fight, so of course it would cause a mess. That’s just how it is.
In this battle, our dedicated mage Tao quickly got to Level 4, and learned how to use Blaze level 2. She can hit several enemies at once with it. That’s how I was thinking, but she got excited and used it a lot. Burning and burning. When you burn down enemies you burn down the ground they stand on as well. Or you end up burning some houses. They weren’t anyone’s houses so it ended up fine but, we gotta be careful next time or we’ll be in trouble.
Month of the Green Swallow, Day 15
We’ve only just got to Rindo, and are already setting off to Manarina immediately. Yet ahead of us were a bunch of monsters protecting the city and a vast desert. In terms of distance, it’s around the same as going from Guardiana to Alterone. But, our movement is definitely worse in the desert. We kept whining about it as we walked, and if the Dark Mages hit us with Blaze, it’d just get even hotter. They also won’t advance on their own. I keep trying to come up with a brilliant idea, like breaking through them without taking damage, but it seems impossible. My plans need to make sure they don’t wipe several people at once... Being a leader is tough. If only Nova had come along. By the way, I don’t think Zombies fit this kind of dry desert? What do you think?
Month of the Green Swallow, Day 26
The greatest authority in Manarina, Otrant, said we should challenge the Cavern of Darkness. We don’t know what to expect in this journey, so getting to understand our destiny here would be great… Also the princess of Guardiana, Anri, will be fighting with us from here on. She doesn’t know much about me, so I gotta do my best to show her what kind of person I am.
Inside the cavern is very damp. That kind of place is of course crawling with Zombies. Well, I’ll leave them to Tao who looks eager to Blaze stuff. The problem is the Skeleton guarding the treasure chest with (I think) the Orb of Light. Those bones look tough. So I guess I’ll send Gort. I’ll let everyone else handle it.
Month of the Blue Deer, Day 2
We sneaked into the circus tent looking for the mayor’s grandchild, and that fortune-telling lady I saw in Alterone was there. Turns out she’s from Runefaust. She said a bunch of harsh things at me and left. What stayed behind were her Marionette clone and circus monsters. Well okay then. Let’s fight them. But the Marionette’s Freeze level 3 is way too cold. Once she uttered the spell, the pillars supporting the circus tent froze. I’m afraid the ceiling will collapse because of that. I’ll start by asking Tao and Anri to cast Blaze and make a bonfire. We gotta keep warm or we’ll lose any will to fight. Gong’s barely wearing anything.
Month of the Blue Deer, Day 10
I met Darksol for the first time. He said a bunch of things I didn’t understand much and left. When I realized, I was surrounded by Zombies. I guess that was trap the petrified Balbaroy warned about. I could retreat with Egress for now, but, I’ll do it if we get close to losing.
I mean, as long as I don’t get defeated it’s fine. I’ll do my best along everyone who believes in me.
There’s a lot of Zombies, so I need Tao and Anri to be working to the max. The warriors will fight the Skeletons. Mae and Ken will be giving support. Huh? Arthur, what are you doing? Hey, hey. You don’t work with the laundry anymore, stop doing the laundry. If you want to help then fight. Please. I’m begging you...
Month of the Blue Deer, Day 19
I need to decide already who I’ll leave resting at headquarters. I asked Nova but all he said was “it is you as the leader who should decide”. There are three new members, the archer Diane, and the birdpeople, Balbaroy and Amon. I decided to leave three people to rest. First is Hans, who doesn’t like fighting anyway. Diane looks stronger... Then Lowe, accused of touching princess butt, and Arthur of the laundry. The quarry’s passages are narrow, so having people who can fly opens up space for fighting. Let Balbaroy and Amon do their best. Though, since it will be a married couple fighting, it would be fun if they had a special attack only married couples can do. Ultimate Marital Attack or something. I wanna try it out.
Month of the Blue Deer, Day 25
Zylo, the ruler of Bustoke, has joined us. Seems that’s because Otrant of Manarina talked to him. Nice one, Otrant. So I replaced Amon with him. I want to see the true power of a werewolf.
The way from Bustoke to the bridge is mostly forest terrain. Runefaust is here to stop us as usual. This time they came with strong enemies known as Pegasus Knights. But, we have Zylo. Who runs through the forest like it’s his backyard. He’s so fast it’s kind of a problem, as no one can follow. Of course, I also have no clue where Zylo is. I’m an embarrassment as a leader. Can’t he come back just for a bit...
Month of the Blue Deer, Day 29
An eyeball machine installed at the bridge. That’s Runefaust’s secret weapon, the Laser Eye. Who knows how they carried it there from the quarry. Before thinking about that stuff let’s destroy it. I heard from somewhere that the Laser Eye is fair, and can only attack after counting to ten. Alright, let’s charge.
It looked like we could defeat it before the countdown, but we met fierce resistance from the Lizardmen and Pegasus Knights. We can’t proceed like this. Just as I thought it was going bad, Laser Eye shot the laser from its eyeball. Everyone over the bridge gets hit. My allies were a given, but even the enemy Silver Knight took damage. It seems the Laser Eye is a weapon that does not discriminate. Man, am I glad there’s only one of it.
Month of the Black Horse, Day 1
General Elliot, known across all of Rune. After our conversation on the Pao Train, we’ll finally battle... Before that, the knights Pelle and Vankar, the flying weirdo Kokichi, and the mysterious animal Yogurt all joined the force. I’ll let Pelle and Yogurt join for the next battle, while Mae and Luke can rest.
Pao Plains seem like a great place. You can’t take advantage of the terrain at all. It will be a fair and clean advance. That’s probably what Elliot wants too.
Anyway, Pelle is a great help. As expected of a mercenary. As for Yogurt... He’s like a mascot. Maybe he came to help in a way I don’t really understand. I’m sure that’s it. I want to believe.
Month of the Black Horse, Day 8
The impregnable fort, Uranbatol. Earnest, who was in the Pao Train, attacked it and seems to have caused some damage. Let’s follow up with our own assault.
Once again we have more allies. Guntz, who we saw at Rindo, and Domingo, who just hatched from his egg. Even though Guntz just arrived I’ll leave him resting. Domingo is a cheeky brat, so let’s see what he can do. I swapped Balbaroy with him.
Fort Uranbatol is already lacking guards. I’ll send Domingo rushing there. Domingo can cast Freeze repeatedly. I guess he’s stronger than he looks. Everyone else is seeing him with new eyes as well. But then he started talking. “No one here knows this, but acktually...” Ah, this won’t work. Our morale is gonna drop with this.
Month of the Black Horse, Day 14
We broke into Fort Uranbatol. There’s a ship anchored at the harbor deep within the fort. If we get it, we might be able to go to the eastern side of the continent. I’ll willing to take it. Let’s go.
We rescued Earnest, who had been caught by Runefaust, and faced against Balbazak. He was in the defensive as if wanting to board that ship, and we fought a bunch of Sea Bats and Hellhounds.
Taking care to not be surrounded by the automatic artillery, the Brass Loaders, we slowly made our way to Balbazak. The surrounding enemies including the Puppet were wiped out by Diane with her ranged attacks. We also chipped away at Balbazak from a range, and once he was weakened, Earnest struck. With this, the ship is mine. Yes.
Month of the Black Horse, Day 25
Ahh, a ship voyage. How many times did I cry into my pillow because the boat at Rindo got burned... Everyone else is also staring quietly at the sea. Some guys worry about not knowing how to swim, plenty also hate the salty sea breeze as well. Only Domingo keeps talking with his big ego as usual.
In the Rudo village where we washed up on, we heard about the key to the seal. It was by coincidence, but that’s some great luck. Fine by me. Lyle joined the force. Let’s go to Dragonia to look for the surviving Sacred Dragon.
As we floated by without a care, Runefaust’s army caught up to us. A flying squad of Pegasus Knights and some nasty Conchs dragging themselves toward us. It seems they’re here more to destroy the ship than to attack people. If we don’t stop them we’re gonna become food for the fishes. We didn’t even get used to traveling by ship at this point, they could have let us enjoy it a bit more. Kinda petty of them.
Month of the Black Horse, Day 32
I decided to follow a Skeleton, and arrived at some mysterious place. There stood a Master Mage facing the wall and screaming something. I leaned forward to try to hear it better. I heard some mysterious words, “Isal, Kasal, Hosal”. New magic words? What do they do? Mysteries and mysteries leading to more mysteries. Led on by my endless curiosity I got closer, and Runefaust noticed, thus a battle started. But, no one wanted to get closer out of fear of those magic words. We’re gonna lose like this. As I thought that I sent Diane, who just got promoted to Bowmaster. Shoot! Diane! The Robin Arrow flew with a thunderous boom. The Master Mage went to heaven in one shot! And what about the magic words?
Month of the Brown Snake, Day 5
The ship was fixed, and we set sail from Waral. Because of what happened in the last voyage, no one is happy. You can see the exhaustion on their faces. All we can see is the horizon all the time, so it’s gotten quite boring. It would suck to get attacked at a time like this. But that’s exactly the kind of time when we do get attacked...
On battles aboard a ship, guys who can fly are a big help. Nova said that, and Balbaroy too. If I don’t use that kind of assertive guy, he might resent it later. With Balbaroy and Kokichi and the like, we took control of the skies. That’s as good as it gets. Alright, go!
As we fought I got the feeling that the number of Conchs was increasing. It would be great if it had been just my mistake but, reality is harsh. Tch.
Month of the Brown Snake, Day 11
In the Rudo village where we washed up on, we heard about the key to the seal. It was by coincidence, but that’s some great luck. Fine by me. Lyle joined the force. Let’s go to Dragonia to look for the surviving Sacred Dragon.
We left Rudo, and the Runefaust army was already waiting for us. Seems that they have something planned for Dragonia. But there weren’t many of them blocking our path. We’ll beat them up quickly and move ahead. Lyle walks really slow, but he’s a donkey so it is what it is.
It’s all easy peasy and we’re getting to Dragonia already when a bunch of Golems appear. Urgh! What a heck of a place to show up! The wizard duo is frail, they’re gonna get beaten up! Just show up from the very start. That’s dirty.
Month of the Brown Snake, Day 18
Bleu found his courage and decided to fight with us. Great! And just as I thought that, Cain comes wanting to battle. To unleash Guardiana’s grudge on him, I gathered the warriors who have huge strength and left headquarters.
Tao casts Blaze, and Anri uses Freeze. Once they’re weakened I deal the final blows myself. As a result, my level goes up. It’s a good pattern.
Cain is an expert who mastered the Sword of Darkness with skill on par with mine. Pelle and Diane defeated the Dullahans and High Priests and the like, but lost to a single blow each from Cain. He’s strong. Way too strong. If I go to the frontline now he’ll definitely target me. Everyone needs to use their power at once and surround Cain. With all we’ve got.
Month of the Brown Snake, Day 25
Not able to understand all that just happened, we headed for the Demon Castle to the south. I couldn’t call myself a man if I let the likes of Mishaela talk as she pleased. We’ll corner her.
Bleu joined us in Dragonia, but even after promotion his attacks are weak. He’s never gonna grow past being a crybaby then? A Bolt from the Belials and he’s already on the verge of death. It’s hard to keep training people in our force when they have no good points. I wish they just grew fast on their own.
I should leave all forest things to the specialist, Zylo, but since being promoted to Wolf Baron by mistake, he’s been cold to me. Because of that, he can’t finish off in a single hit this time. Man, the leader messed up. The leader. Ah right, that’s me. My bad.
Month of the Brown Snake, Day 30
Demon Castle. We’re finally here. I say finally, but we found it days ago... There’s nothing serving as guards here, so let’s invade at once. The lack of defenses is really unexpected. Also it’s just one chamber. Calling this a castle is laughable. Hahaha.
Defeating the Belials and Master Mages in the way, we rushed to the throne where Mishaela was. Without a doubt the treasure chests the Dullahans are guarding have the Sword of Light. First I’ll let Gort deal with the Dullahans. He’s pretty tough. Now we face the reinforcements. Alright, the Dullahans are defeated. Next is Mishaela. As I thought that, the magic range symbol covered my allies with a clicking sound. What? In the very next moment a storm of Bolt... Are you kidding me? Oh c'mon.
Month of the Yellow Tiger, Day 2
From Prompt we’re heading to the Tower of the Ancients. As usual we have to go through a forest. And as always Lyle is really slow. I could just take him off the team but, I can’t throw out the advantage the Assault Cannon gives us. Let him do his best and I’ll deal with it.
Among the Runefaust forces we suddenly encountered were a bunch of “machines”. Some hurl themselves at us, some shoot beams, there are many types of them. In particular, those beams always do 20 points of damage. It’s the worse, if you get hit twice you’ll be almost dead. What saved us from that tough spot was the ally we found at Prompt, Musashi. With the famous sword Kiku-ichimonji he cut the enemies in half with a single swing. Pretty dependable guy.
Month of the Yellow Tiger, Day 8
Anri learned Bolt. That Bolt that Mishaela and the Belials have been blasting on us. That Bolt that makes you think you’re gonna die just from one hit, Anri can cast it now. We have to try it out. Torch Eyes, Wyverns, whatever, let’s pulverize them all. Yesss.
At the very top of the Tower of the Ancients is a Demonmaster. A new type of mage, but compared to Mishaela, not scary at all. If there were many dark mages like her, we wouldn’t ever get anywhere. Anyway, let me see how to defeat this Demonmaster. If I give Pelle the Halberd from that chest, he can strike them down in one hit.
Month of the Yellow Tiger, Day 15
Adam was taken down by Chaos, who appeared out of nowhere. As I stood there thinking what the heck is going on, the battle started. Those darn machines, the Torch Eyes and Jets, are on a narrow corner, and there’s other crowds of Demonmasters and other enemies. Also, while Runefaust forces usually never advance on their own, now they’re coming at full speed towards us.
Everyone is hurt and beaten down. This is bad. Really bad. I hate it, but I’m going to retreat with Egress. I’ll come back to face them after reviving everyone and bringing the allies we’ve met at the Tower of the Ancients, Alef and Torasu. The next time, things seemed to be going well. And when we were about to defeat Chaos, his beam hit straight through my heart. Urgh, we gotta do it over again.
Month of the Yellow Tiger, Day 23
At last we’re heading to the heart of the forces of darkness, Runefaust. Of course the way ahead won’t be easy. There’s Cerberos and Minotaurs and Bowriders and Armed Skeletons and all kinds of creatures boasting enormous strength, obstructing our path. Especially the Armed Skeletons. Those guys skillfully attack with an axe at each hand. You’d think they can only attack up close, but they can shoot some unknown kind of beam from their stomach. A spoiled fiend who can do ranged attacks as well. I’ll let the blazing woman, Tao, burn them down in a single Blaze level 4. I thought we could get closer that way, but then came the Bowriders shooting attacks with greater range. Not bad, Runefaust. As I thought that, everyone was defeated. Guess I’m retreating again?
Month of the Yellow Tiger, Day 33
We arrived at Runefaust. But, there’s no sign of their army in the city. From what Mahato told me, the army has retreated and we must give chase. In front of the castle they just built, Darksol... He’s the root of all these evils. We attacked at once, but he fled to the depths of the castle, and in his place came Emperor Ramladu of Runefaust. Things happened one after the other and Ramladu also retreated further as the battle began. Argh, we must get to him.
The ninja Hanzou will be working with us from this battle on. He’s a strong fighter who knows the instant death spell, Desoul. But, ninja are from the shadows. I’ll leave him at headquarters. We’ll defeat Darksol without borrowing the power of shadows. Probably.
Month of the Purple Pearl, Day 4
With everyone working together, we somehow defeated the beasts with breath attacks, Blue Dragons and Chimeras. All that is left is to beat Ramladu.
Torch Eyes and Steel Claws showed up but, with our current power they aren’t much of a problem. We’re also faster and that’ll be the key to victory, we’ll quickly make work of those stupid machines. After destroying them we’ll go after Ramladu.
Once only Ramladu was left, he finally got his heavy butt up to work. And, the moment Pelle got closer, he spun his weapon and sent him flying. Aah! Pelle was wrecked in one hit. Okay, time for the usual tactic of throwing all we have at him. Everyone do your best. I’m right behind you.
Month of the Purple Pearl, Day 15
We infiltrated the Castle of the Ancients. It was a long path from what I recall. A lot of events started flashing back in my mind. After all this struggle, all that’s left is to defeat Darksol. Let’s move onwards.
Darksol isn’t anywhere to be seen in the castle. Huh? Where is he hiding. As we searched here and there we felt the presence of monsters. Seems the castle’s defense system has activated. Colossus started moving, and the Chimeras came to attack us. We were taken by surprise, but with Anri’s Bolt and Tao’s Blaze level 4, and Diane and Lyle’s Buster Shots, we intercepted the Chimera and Blue Dragon combination. All that was left was Colossus. Let’s surround them one by one to take them down. Huh? We defeated them with no injuries. So weak.
Month of the Purple Pearl, Day 20
After turning Colossus into kebab without any trouble, we continued the infiltration. Finally we found Darksol. It’s the final battle. Anri and Tao’s magic shines, Gort swings the Atlas Axe. Diane and Lyle’s Buster Shots blast fire, Balbaroy flies about. Pelle throws the Valkyrie, Khris and Gong run around doing the healing. Musashi cuts enemies in half with the Kiku-ichimonji, Domingo floats around without a care. And I finish everything off with the Chaos Breaker.
With this ultimate force we corner Darksol. His Demon Breath is intense but, as we hit him with everyone at once it doesn’t matter much. Alright, we defeated Darksol! I was so glad, and as I celebrated like that...
Even now, in the Castle of the Ancients’ “last chamber”, Darksol works to awaken the Dark Dragon. Will the protagonist succeed in saving the world of light in the end? The answer to that question is something only the Chaos Breaker knows.
Translation notes:
- In both SF1 and Final Conflict, Max uses the formal first person pronoun “watashi”. Here on the other hand he uses the casual and tough/masc pronoun “ore”, and mostly casual language. This might be to bring more of the "boy playing game" vibe the diary has, as opposed to being in character for an actual noble hero. There is a notable expection however: In entry 19, his line in the doodle uses "watashi" as he learns of Cain's identity. This is probably to give a slightly more in-character vibe for an important plot moment, and might also be him instinctively showing respect for an older brother (notably, similar pronoun changes happened in the GBA remake as well, while he varies between "ore" and the slightly more softspoken but still masc "boku" depending on who he's talking to.).
- To this day I feel I'm missing what the joke is for the doodle in entry 11. It might just be joking about getting hit too often by the Laser Eye, but the hearts and the character faces might be something I didn't get.
- In entry 12, when Max says Yogurt might be helping in a way he doesn’t understand, his exact wording is “よくわかんない”, which is Yogurt’s HQ quotes in the japanese version and one of his catchphrase.
- Another catchphrase of Yogurt is “イカス”, which shows up in his portrait in the JP version. It means something like "stylish" in this context, because he's proud of his helmet, and is probably the reason his english HQ quote is "Do you like my helmet?", so I adapted the doodle for entry 12 based on that.
- In the JP version, Domingo is a know-it-all who constantly spouts science facts in a babyish voice (the baby voice has never been adapted by any localization, but you can see him being a know-it-all in the SFCD HQ, while SF1 rewrote his lines completely). The "um, acktually" meme was basically born for him.
- In entry 22, Max refers to machines between quotes and in katakana, as if the concept is foreign to him, but early on he spoke normally about the Laser Eye. Might be an oversight of the writer when conveying this unfamiliarity.
- There's a big mistake in entry 26. When naming Hanzou's instakill spell, they call it Detox (Antidote in the original) instead of Desoul.
- If you're new to the localization issues of this game, take some time to read how the encounter with Darksol at Runefaust goes in the original version. Those ellipses of Max in entry 26 will feel a lot more meaningful once you do.
- Domingo saying only his own name in these doodles might be the reason he does that in the GBA version? Even though it’s just a joke here.
- The final lines I translated here are the end of the strategy part of the guide.