Zone 2 is a big place. It's much bigger (and nicer-looking) than the dull, drab Zone 1. It's split off into four roads, somewhat in the shape of a cross. In the center is probably the biggest library I've ever seen. It's gargantuan, and quite the sight.
Unfortunately, that sense of wonder doesn't translate to the inside. To my disappointed confusion, most of the books are fake. I'm not kidding. The Elsens here say that fake books make less noise and carry less risk of paper cuts. Of course, I don't see what's the point. The few that are real are borderline unreadable. The Elsens freak out if I turn more than a page. For a library, it really sucks. And that's without mentioning the usual specters. Oh, the pains of being a bookworm adventurer.
Well, an Elsen said there was a cat up here, so let's go see the Judge again.
"Who... Who are you?" I could ask you the same thing. Another talking cat?
"My name is Japhet. I am the creator of this city. I am also the one leading the phantoms, the royal instruments of my vengeance."
"You're the chief of the specters?" Well, that was easy. Here's the villain, standing right in front of me. Thought it would take longer.
"Specifically, they are my arms, sent to me by the Queen to restore justice to this zone." I knew something seemed fishy about that Queen they kept mentioning...
A kitty though? This'll be easy!
...Something's suspicious. This is too easy. He doesn't even have his own battle theme.
"I must confess that I have underestimated you. Unfortunately for you, I would discard all manners as a gentleman when necessary. Especially for a new enemy."
Ah, I knew he had something up his sleeve. I swear, I'm right about everything. I have some kind of sixth sense of awesomeness.
"Specters, come to me! Dance together and echo the song of the righteous! The torment of men heals my wounds... Your body will feed the intangible spirits for eternity..."
Alright, now the real fight begins!
"... Phantoms? Phantoms, come to me! Curses! By what magic, baleful human, do you manage to prevent my ectoplasmic acolytes from joining me? No matter! You will taste my wrath!"
...I did nothing. Looks like your own minions don't respect you.
"Poor fool! It is not yet time to reveal my true nature! Still, know that you gain nothing by waiting, obnoxious buffoon!"
Yeah, yeah, sure, sure, blah, blah, generic villain chitchat. Run away like a coward. You're just lucky I don't have a dog with me.
Oooh, look! Another Add-on! "Omega."
"Buenos dias, dear Puppeteer. Where's a better place to shop than a shopping mall?"
A Spanish toad-masked man who makes bad puns. Eh, I guess I've had weirder days.
So after purchasing some goods, we stroll down into the mall.
And I have no idea where I'm going. The whole thing is another maze! It feels like I'm going around in circles! Ah, there's fucking rats everywhere! Giant specter rats! How Batty can get through all this with a straight face, I have no idea.
I find a lone Elsen in a room. "I'm lost..." he says. Me too, buddy.
At last, I find the Judge. "Is not this publicity so effective and efficient whilst defying the basics of consumer marketing?" He's looking at a drawing of a cat. Guess Japhet's not the only cat with an oversized ego.
He explains that his brother lived on the roof of the library here, but he disappeared and the Judge can't get to the roof to find him. Oh, crap, d-don't tell me...
"If at the bend of a corner you happen to see Valerie, give him my greetings."
Oh, his name's Valerie. Never mind then, I'm just being paranoid.
Outside that room, there's a switch to activate the pedalo. Why they decided to put a pedalo leading to the park all the way here, in the mall, I don't know. I'm honestly beginning to suspect that The Batter and I are the only sane ones in this world of weirdness.
So, a park! This must be fun!
As if the library and mall weren't disappointing enough, the park is small, there's barely anyone there, and the few Elsens are still scared beyond reason. They literally sit on chairs and pretend they're riding a roller coaster! And I don't even like roller coasters, but that's lame! At least we were able to get in the old roller coaster and get a nice picture. Fun fact: The Batter, apparently, is a fan of rollercoasters. Good for him, but I'm stuck here.
The boat ride wasn't very fun, either. The motors made it hard to really navigate. At least, let's see if the balloon game makes up for the overall suckiness of this place.
"W... Welcome. Play, play, play the balloon game!" Alright let's do this!
About 20 failures later, I finally win. "I... I... I've lost. No... that's impossible... You-I have been cheating from the start..." WHAT.
"You cheated! You bear me much ill will!"
The Elsen transforms into a "Burnt," which I've heard happens when they get stressed enough. No matter, I pop him like I pooped the balloons. Bitch.
"The grand prize was a necktie?" Really? And now the Elsens are panicking. Whatever, I'm just going to rob this place and leave before I have to deal with any more exploding Elsens.