DELICIOUS IN DUNGEON
Aw, rats. This one's locked too.
Just give me a sec.
Guys, we've been walking for a while now,
how's about we set up camp here and rest for a bit?
Letting your stomach do the talking. Classy.
It wasn't me, darn it!
It figures she's hungry.
We've been eating snacks all day and nothing else.
I don't think it's a good idea to stop just yet though, Laios.
The only food we managed to find today
is about a bowl's worth of Treasure Insects.
I say we keep going and get to the fourth floor.
Well, I hear you,
but the monsters are just gonna get stronger from here on.
I think it's important we stay well-rested.
Still, you're right, we need food,
or we won't have the energy to fight.
But to have the energy to fight,
we need rest, and now I'm confused.
Uh?
It's open.
Looks like this used to be a dining hall.
I bet it was something to see back in the day.
The only ones using this room now are the undead.
Even the rats stay away.
Uh, good, 'cause I refuse to eat rats.
I wish we'd get attacked by something other than some dumb ghosts.
It'd be awesome if a roast pig came charging in.
Hmph, what are you talking about?
We should be so lucky.
Wait.
We are!
We got food right in front of us!
It's a Living Picture!
Laios, get back!
Uh?
What are you thinking?
It almost sucked you in!
I know! That was the plan and you ruined it!
What?
Look at all those fat, juicy grapes she's got.
Just so we're clear here,
your plan was to eat the food in the painting?
That's right. It's a good idea, don't you think?
-That's the dumbest idea ever! -Yeah, if you're stupid!
You know what it means to chase "the pie in the sky", don't ya?
Yeah, but I'm not after some imaginary pie I can't eat.
If these are Living Paintings,
then the pies in them should be eatable.
Okay, but you could also get killed in there.
My point is,
if I'm in the painting, then I can fight for the food in the painting too.
Oh, whatever. Give it a try then.
And if you die, that's on you.
Deal.
-I'll tie this rope to you. -Hm?
Your rope tugged, and we'll pull you back out.
Now, which painting?
Ah, this one looks like it will work.
There's food waiting on the table.
Right, do your thing, Painting!
Ow.
-Who are you? -Uh?
Crap. I've been spotted!
-Your sword… -Huh?
I've never seen armor like that,
but you are a palace guard, aren't you?
Uh…
-Huh? -Here!
Let's go, there's no time to waste!
For goodness sake, I never have enough help.
Hurry now. Stop dawdling back there.
Uh?
My word. What a clever-looking boy we have.
True. And did you notice? He has your nose.
When you grow up, little one, you shall become a great king.
King Freinag, I'm so happy for you.
Don't just stand there!
-Hurry up! Bring the rest! -Uh…
-I, um, could use a-- -I have it!
Delgal! Your name is Prince Delgal!
And one day, you shall be king, Delgal!
That does it!
I lost my appetite!
I'm so ready to go!
He wants out!
Let's go!
Well?
I was this close to eating something there.
But then, the mood in the room killed my appetite!
-The what? -Why is the mood a problem?
How do you expect a guy to eat if the vibe's weird?
Anyway, look,
I know I can do this. I just need to find the right setting.
Okay, and what would that be?
I don't know.
Like maybe something more casual.
"Casual"?
Hey, how about this one?
Everyone looks like they're having fun.
There's even a naked guy dancing.
Perfect! Here I go!
Whoa!
Huh?
You drunken fool!
-You are in the presence of the prince! -Wait!
Ow! Stop it!
Get off the table already!
Leave him be.
Today is my wedding day.
This man was just celebrating, not being insolent.
Uh, but, Prince Delgal…
Delgal?
The baby from the other painting?
Go on then!
Hm.
That was close.
Delgal!
Father!
I am so proud of how fine a man you have become.
Here's to you and the kingdom.
Oh, wow!
Father!
Guess I'll grab what I can and eat when I get back.
Oh?
-Sorry. -Your Highness!
He needs a doctor.
Go and find him!
That elf was in the other painting too.
Is he the court jester?
Whoa!
Check it out, guys!
I brought a whole bunch of goodies back.
So let's get the-- Where the hell is it?
I guess the painting won't let me take food with me.
I'll have to eat what I can while I'm still inside it!
That does it!
I'm gonna taste Painting food this time or else!
Huh?
FULL-COURSE OF COURT CUISINE
Huh?
Looks like a coronation ceremony.
So that prince inherited the crown.
I shall pray for the eternal prosperity
of the country and its people.
Uh? Huh?
Delicious!
I thought it would taste like paint,
but this is a real feast!
Um, can I have some more?
That was great.
Man, I'm stuffed.
Okay, time to head back.
Huh?
Hey, it's that same elf.
-What are you doing here, outsider? -Uh-oh!
I remember.
You were there when the prince was born and his wedding.
What do you want?
Are you after the throne?
I will burn your flesh to ash!
-Too close. -Huh?
What happened this time? You get to eat?
I was at a table with a huge feast in front of me.
I ate as much as I could and got up to leave,
then someone noticed I didn't belong there and grabbed my collar.
He was so pissed at me.
You did crash his party.
I was so scared.
Uh?
How could I be hungry again after eating all that food?
Oh, damn!
I had the best meal and none of it came back with me!
See?
-Told you it was a dumb idea, dummy! -Ow!
Thanks for wasting our time!
I mean, maybe, but the food did taste good.
I guess this is the kitchen?
There's water in the next room,
so this should be a good enough place to set up camp.
We could've reached the fourth floor by now
if you weren't goofing off in those damn paintings.
Mm?
My gut's telling me that's a Mimic.
The fourth floor…
That chest definitely wasn't there before.
It's in a perfect spot to get attention.
Not too hidden, not too obvious.
The kind of spot those bastards love to ambush you from.
Well, guys, how about we get some sleep here?
-Okay. -Got it.
-Chilchuck? Sound good? -Huh?
Uh, sure.
Better not tell them about the Mimic.
I know Laios and Senshi would want to eat it.
Which means I'll have to open the chest.
No, thanks.
Mimics…
Over the years, those bastards caused me nothing but grief!
Oh, good.
It's not locked and there's no trap!
I had to pick the lock on this one so it can't be a Mimic!
If I open it from here, it can't grab me!
Crap! I forgot there's another trap!
Damn Mimics!
Are you okay?
-What? -You're all quiet.
Is something bothering you?
Me? Uh-uh.
I bet he's tired.
I say we let the kid sleep
and one of us can take his turn keeping watch.
For the last time, I'm not a kid!
How old are you then?
None of your business.
Oh, jeez. Why are you always so secretive?
You never told us your age or where you're from.
I'd like to keep my work and personal life separate.
If that's what you want,
but one day, you'll regret it.
-Whatever. -You grumpity old grump.
My stomach's gone soft on me.
I used to be able to go two days without eating.
I need more water.
Hey, clumsy head.
I'm gonna go get some water.
Wait up, I'll go with you.
Nah. I'll be all right.
Okay, but watch your back.
It's in the next room.
Uh?
A Coin Insect.
Maybe there's a nest around here.
If I find a few more, I'll have a meal.
I'm not as hardcore as Laios, but Coin Insects are good.
They're copycats, like those damn Mimics,
just cuter.
Wait!
Don't go in there, the Mimic's hiding--
Oh, great.
I forgot the weight of this waterskin made me heavier.
There should be a lever around here.
And I can't reach it.
Should I yell for help?
Better not, the sound might draw other monsters,
putting everyone in danger.
No worries.
Marcille will notice I didn't come back and come looking.
What am I saying?
Knowing her, she went right back to sleep!
Take a breath!
Opening doors is my specialty.
I can do this. No sweat!
I need to find the mechanism to open the door.
I'll be fine if I stay away from the Mimic.
I don't hear any ticking noises behind the wall,
so there's no time limit.
I can tell there are switches on the walls
which probably make spears shoot up from the floor.
If I push them in the wrong order, I'm done for.
I bet the words on this plate are my key to getting out of here.
If only I could read this ancient language.
Marcille could, but she ain't here.
I feel like I've seen this kind of writing before.
Never mind, better go over what I know.
There's three switches in the corners of the room.
Why three?
And in what order do I have to push them?
There's another switch on the wall by the Mimic!
I'm gonna have to deal with that rotten thing after all!
Maybe there's a hint somewhere.
I should be so lucky.
If I hit the switches randomly, I'll get skewered.
I'm tiny, so maybe I can avoid them.
Nope, too risky.
Ugh, I have no idea what I'm supposed to do!
Guess all I can do is wait till the others…
wake?
Golly!
Oh, crap!
Do close calls get any closer?
Damn, these things are tough!
When you flip a Mimic over, the way it struggles is cute.
With its belly up, you can see if it's a boy or a girl.
I don't wanna hear his stupid trivia before I die!
Besides, how can I flip it over?
There's no way!
Here goes nothing!
Damn Mimic.
Hopefully, the others heard me and--
Huh?
You were empty this whole time? You son of a--
Wait.
These letters.
They're the same ones as the one on the plate.
I know what these mean, so I can figure out--
Ah!
Oh, crap!
-"The sun shall rise… -East!
-…the moon shall set… -And West!
-…the stars shall brightly shine… -North!
Whoa! The South is next!
And the winds of fortune shall blow your way forever!"
Got it!
Ah!
Come on! Chilchuck hasn't come back yet!
Uh?
Chil… Chilchuck!
He's dead. It's my fault.
I'm still alive, dummy.
Ooh, boy.
Chilchuck, you bagged a Mimic!
Nice going!
Thank you.
What a fine specimen it is.
I never cooked one of these before.
Can't be too hard.
How do you even know it's safe to eat?
Don't you worry about that.
The book here says they aren't poisonous.
But they may have poison in them, depending on their diet.
So without its digestive tract, it'll be okay for us to eat.
There is nothing okay about anything you said.
Don't waste your breath, Marcille.
They're gonna cook it, no matter what you say.
Let them. I don't care, 'cause there's no way I'm gonna eat it!
First, we'll boil a big pot of water.
Then, add some salt.
Stick the Mimic in and pop the lid on.
Then, wait.
Hmm?
Huh?
Should be boiled enough.
It's ready!
BOILED MIMIC
Ugh. It's so hard to get the meat out of it.
-Try using the other end of that. -Uh?
No good. Just pushed the meat in further.
Wait.
Chilchuck? Do you mind if I borrow your thingies?
Thingies?
Those doohickeys you always use.
Your picking tools.
Picking tools. Picking tools.
Are you crazy? No!
Don't worry, a quick boil should sterilize them.
I'm not worried about that!
No, don't!
That's easy.
EASY TO SCOOP
Here.
It's really good.
Yeah, this Mimic sure is delicious.
I wonder how the meat from the body and the leg taste together.
Pretty dang awful.
Yeah, I heard the crustacean's midgut was icky.
Mm.
If you knew the Mimic was in there, why didn't you tell us?
I've had nothing but bad experiences with them.
The last thing I wanted to do was have to deal with another one.
Anyway, I made a lot of bad decisions.
The first was panicking,
'cause I thought it would eat the Treasure Insect.
But Mimics don't eat Treasure Insects.
Huh?
Yeah. Treasure Insects eat Mimics.
When it finds a Mimic,
it crawls through an opening in the chest and lays its eggs.
Then, when the eggs hatch, the larvae eat the Mimic.
When they mature, they look like treasure.
Someone comes along, picks them up, and boom,
they're free to find more Mimics.
I hate that you know that.
And stop coddling me! I'm not a kid!
Tell me how old you are and I'll never do it again.
What happened to you today
happened 'cause you insist on being secretive.
So, come on now, and tell me how old you are!
Fine.
Oh?
I'm turning 29 this year.
Ah, you're just a kid after all. I knew it.
And I thought you were way older than that.
Okay, then, how old are you guys?
Everyone's a kid to you races with long lives!
What's your problem?
Should I call you… "sir"?
No! Just call me by my name!
Today's meal was another monster,
but tomorrow, they might be the meal.
Ah, dungeon food.
Delicious in dungeon.
Uh?