The Promise
Recorded from in-game story playback and preserved as a transcript archive.
The Promise
Since that disaster, a fissure had appeared between the mountains, dividing them into the east and west ranges. Over the years, the mountains to the east had become a rich and luxurious land thanks to its fertile soil. The mountain of the west became increasingly barren, and the people living there struggled with famine for many years. In the west mountains was a young man named Fuken who wanted to find plants and grain that could be grown and reproduced. He knew how barren the land was, and how unlikely it was that he would succeed. However, if his people continued to beg from those on the east, they would never be able to support themselves and be independent. Fuken decided to attend a school run by a wealthy patron, so that he could at least try to improve the situation in the west mountains. One day, Fuken was late for one of Kasagumo’s classes. Kasagumo was worried. Finally, he arrived, in a fervor of excitement, carrying a bundle, which he wanted to show everyone, including his classmate Gohei. What Fuken showed them was a complicated blueprint. Gohei was shocked. Fuken explained, “Because of scourge, the mountains shifted and were split into two halves. The land to the east was more fertile than the west. At first, the fissures were bottomless, and it was difficult for people on both sides to communicate with each other, so they had to survive on their own. But things have changed over time, this fissure has been filled by the river. Now is the time to build a bridge so we can communicate with each other properly.” Everyone shook their heads. The two sides had been separated for nearly a hundred years. The rich were getting richer and the poor were suffering more and more. There was famine all over the west, and even the ferryboats were reluctant to dock there. The rich on the east would never agree to building a bridge. Fuken continued, “Yes, before we build a bridge, we need to break down barriers between us. I haven’t found a reason to persuade wealthy businessmen yet…” Kasagumo smiled, “Let me convince the wealthy merchants on the east to fund the construction of the bridge!” A debate sprang up, but Gohei agreed with Fuken and stood up in support. Years passed but the Juri bridge, spanning over the miles, that combined the financial resources, human resources and wisdom of the two worlds had finally been completed. Across the desolate mountains there was a feeling for hope and prosperity once again. But, unbeknownst to all, Gohei had been nurturing evil plans in his heart. He chose this moment to execute them. In order to accomplish his personal revenge, he used the Juri Bridge to destroy Kasagumo’s family. Fuken was shocked by the sudden change in people’s hearts. It was too late-he had already been imprisoned by Gohei, and his contribution to the bridge was kept secret. From that time on, no one heard of Fuken. It seemed there would never be an opportunity for him to witness the prosperity he’d pioneered.