After helping those in need across Solistia and following the Scent of Commerce, Partitio and Spirit Force prioritized their search for Roque, their only lead being the town of Clockbank where Roque's operations were at.

"Ho, boy! Is this what all towns on the eastern continent are like? It's a world apart from what I knew back in Oresrush…" Partitio said.

"We've taken quite the path to get here. Following the scent of commerce here, I can definitely say it. The scent of commerce here in town is so strong, you can actually smell it on the wind." Yuri said.

"You said it, partner! Now then, might as well stop gabbin' and get to explorin' this town!" Partitio said, flipping his silver coin.

The group then went to explore Clockbank as they try to find the location of Roque's company and soon came across a man in a white suit harassing a young boy.

"This is unacceptable. You will pay, and you will pay in full." the suited man said.

"I can't afford to spare the leaves. I just paid taxes, and I'm squeezed tight as it is." the boy said.

"Tch. Damned kids don't understand the way the world works. The Roque Company is kind enough to provide for you. That puts you in our debt." the man said. "You live in this town, you must pay taxes. It's part of our social contract. Adult or minor, there are no exceptions."

"You won't see a leaf from me! My younger siblings will starve without this money!" the boy said.

"I don't want to have to break your knees, kid, but-" the man started.

"That is quite enough!" Ace said, catching the man's attention to the group.

"Extortin' money from a youngster? You ought to be ashamed of yourself." Partitio said.

"Tch. You got lucky, kid. But I'll be back. Everyone pays their dues eventually. Remember that." the man said before leaving.

"Are you alright, child?" Thorani asked. "You were very brave standing up to that man."

"You earn all those leaves yourself? My hat's off to you. Run along now." Partitio said.

"Thanks, yellow guy and blue lady!" the boy said before running off as the group soon left as well, unaware someone was watching them.

"You people there! Yes, you! I saw the whole thing!" said a young girl in a journalist uniform as she got in front of them. "'Mysterious Yellow Coated Man and his Colleagues Chase Off Villainous Roque Company Collector!'. What a scoop! I can see the headline now!"

"And you are?" Simon asked.

"From the way you talk, you must be a journalist." Al said.

"That's right! My name's Ori, I work for The Delsta Times. I'm a scrivener who travels all over the eastern continent looking for the next big story."

"What?" Partitio asked.

"She's a publisher for the eastern continent's local newspaper. You don't really have them back in the west, so you probably don't know." Al said.

"I sure don't. Eastern people sure have wild ideas." Partitio said.

"By the way, we've heard some things about this 'Roque Company' are they true?" Ajna asked.

"Why yes, it's the enterprise owned by the world-famous business tycoon, Roque Brilliante!" Ori said.

"Aha! I thought it'd be tied to Mister Roque somehow!" Partitio said.

"'Mister Roque'...?" Ori parroted in confusion. "Er, ahem. The Roque Company was established eight years ago, and grew at an astonishing pace. It's one of the largest business concerns in the world now. Everyone's heard of it. It's all thanks to the miracle of the steam engine!" she said as she led Partitio and Spirit Force up the steps to a large factory.

"S-steam engine?! So Mister Roque was right! The steam engine wasn't just a tall tale after all." Partitio said.

"Provisions, textiles, you name it! This whole town runs on steam power! Even the distribution of our humble paper is all thanks to the power of steam! It's made the efficiency of manufacturing and transportation go up, up, up! Steam's caused an industrial revolution!" Ori said.

"Hooo-ey!" Partitio said in awe.

"Thanks to his timpley investments, Roque brilliante is one of the wealthiest people in the world!" Ori said.

"So if he's so successful and rich, why are the people in this town struggling to keep up?" Hapi asked.

"In this town, every industry and person who benefits from the steam engine is taxed. Even the poor have to pay a heavy tax burden. No one around here's willing to oppose the Roque Company." Ori said.

"But even the children here don't deserve such a burden." Spade said.

"Yeah. Let's go see Mister Roque. I think we all wanna ask him the same question." Partitio said.

"E-excuse me, I didn't catch your names." Ori said.

"Oh, pardon. Didn't mean to be rude." Partitio said before flipping his piece of silver. "I'm a traveling merchant, name of Partitio and this here is Spirit Force, my business partners. Here. This is my 'business card', of sorts." he said, flipping it to her.

"A silver coin?" Ori asked.

"Heh. Thanks for the info." Partitio said before he and Spirit Force headed to the factory as they stood in front of it. "This is Mister Roque's factory, huh? Guess he's making his steam engines here. Still… It's big! Too big to wrap my head around!"

"Eh, we've seen bigger." Ajna said before someone bumped into Partitio.

"Whoa there, you okay?" Partitio asked.

"S-s-s-sorry! I-I was just, um…thinking, and…" the man stumbled.

"Hah, try 'n' be more careful." Partitio said. "Oh, by the by… You know where we can find Mister Roque?"

"Roque? You mean…the boss?" the man asked before pointing to a nearby building. "I'm sure he'll be in the company office. Now, if you'll excuse me…" he said before entering the factory as he was talking to himself.

"That fella's gonna walk right into a wall…" Partitio chuckled. "Welp, company office. Got it. We'll just have to go pay a visit."


Meanwhile in the company office, the man from before walked up to the second level and stood in front of a door.

"If I may intrude…" the man said before stepping inside as he stood before another man, this one being Roque Brilliante himself. "Tax collection is going mostly according to schedule. Raising the labor tax has increased our profits greatly. However, there is still room to squeeze more from this town." he said.

"...Good. This town and all of the Brightlands have transformed thanks to the steam engine. But this is only the beginning. The steam engine will soon change the world. If we can mass produce these devices, global industry will advance by leaps and bounds." Roque said.

"You truly are a visionary, sir." the man said.

"Wealth is a very honest thing, you know. Its true value cannot be realized in the hands of the undeserving. But once possessed by those worthy, it can change the world." Roque said.


The group went to the company office and headed inside as Partitio approached a guard.

"Howdy there, name's Partitio, and this here is Spirit Force. Traveling merchant and his business partners, at your service." Partitio said. "Mind showin' us to Mister Roque's office?"

"'M-Mister Roque'...?" the guard repeated.

"Sorry we didn't make an appointment, but I'm sure he'll see us if you give 'im my name."

"Um…I…I'm sorry, but I cannot allow any of you to pass!" the guard said.

"*sigh* You people again?" a voice asked as the group turned to see the man that threatened the young boy from earlier.

"That's right. Partitio here knows your boss, and we'd like to have a chat with him about his recent business endeavors." Simon said.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but he is not on the premises. I suggest you all withdraw for the day." the man said.

"Not here, huh? Shucks, aw well. Sorry for the bother. Here, for your trouble." Partitio said, flipping a silver coin to the man before he and Spirit Force left.

"So much for Roque being there. Now what?" Klonoa asked.

"I think we should check out what's going on inside that factory." Ace said.

"Yeah, might as well take a gander 'round the factory 'til Mister Roque gets back." Partitio agreed.

The group then headed to the factory as they saw several large cylinders with pipes and valves on them lined up

"So this is a steam engine! Steamy, huh? Guess that makes sense. Mister Roque… You really are changin' the world, just like you said." Partitio said before turning around as he and the group saw one that looked different from the others. "Huh… This one looks different from the rest…" he said before smoke began emitting from it before it eventually began catching fire. "Hm? Is that smoke?"

"I'm not familiar with any old fashioned machinery, but isn't steam supposed to be coming out of this engine and not smoke?" Hermit asked.

"You're right, Hermit. It's not working right. That guy from before was probably caught up in trying to fix this this thing." Rebecca said.

"It's dangerous! Get away from there!" a voice called out.

On the warning, the group quickly backed away from the engine as it exploded. Then the man from outside the factory appeared.

"A-are you all alright?! That device isn't finished, so…erm…" the man stumbled.

"Ah, We're fine. Sorry to make a ruckus." Partitio apologized. "Hm? Aren't you that fella from before…?"

"Er… I'm sorry, have we met?" the man asked as the group sweatdropped.

"Y'know what, don't worry 'bout it. You said this ain't finished yet?" Partitio asked.

"Oh, yes! Conventional steam engines are extremely difficult to produce. Crafting just one takes ages! That's why I'm researching and developing a way to simplify them for mass production." the man explained.

"Oho!" Partitio said understanding.

"If we can mass produce the steam engine, the world's manufacturing capability will expand tremendously." the man said.

"More goods means more business." Partitio said.

"That's right! Prosperity for all, and all shall benefit! That's…my dream." the man said.

"That's a good dream to have." Mari said. "Maybe there's a way we can help."

"I think there is. Hey, What's your name?" Weisz asked.

"Floyd." the man replied.

"Well Floyd, just from that explosion alone, I saw the problem with the engine. The boiler overheats too fast, which causes those blasts." Weisz said.

"You noticed the problem right away?!" Floyd asked in shock

"Yeah, I'm pretty good with machines and stuff." Weisz said.

"But Mr. Weisz, it's highly inadvisable to use your Machina Maker on technology not built in the future universe." Pino said.

"Don't worry, we'll do things how they're done here." Weisz assured. "We just need a material that's safe to use."

"Shouldn't be a problem for us! We'll find you a supply straightaway." Partitio said to Floyd.

"Y-you will?! But…how? Who are you people?" Floyd asked.

"Partitio, traveling merchant. Me and m'buddies in Spirit Force here are at your service. Hope you don't mind us lendin' a hand to make your dreams come true." Partitio said.


And so, Partito and Spirit Force left the factory to find the right material Floyd needed to properly complete his steam engine. Asking around the local shops, the owner of Clockbank's armory told them about a metal called Clockite, whose tensile strength grows the hotter it gets, making it stronger than iron. After collecting the necessary amount, the group returned to the factory and brought it to Floyd.

"Floyd! We came by some interestin' material for ya!" Partitio said.

"What is it?" Floyd asked.

"A metal called clockite. Brittle at room temperature, but gets tougher the hotter it gets. Or so we hear, anyway. Your engine's boilers are always jumpin' hot, right? Don't that make this a good fit?" Partitio asked.

"That's a good point! Let's give it a shot!" Floyd said.

"Hold on… do we even know how to work clockite the right way? Get it wrong, and we might end up ruining the engine." Hermit said.

"Good point… if only there were someone who knows how to work Clockite right…" Floyd said.

"Perhaps a clockmaker could help." Miriam said.

"Good thinkin', Miriam! Anybody knows how t'make clockite work, it's a clockmaker!" Partitio said.

"We'll be right back, Mr. Floyd!" Klonoa said as everyone rushed out of the factory.


As night fell in Clockbank, the group was able to find a clockmaker and brought him back to the factory as he helped teach Floyd how to use it and it was a success as more pipes were added to the new steam engine.

"We did it, everyone!" Floyd said.

"Oh! Oooooo!" Partitio said in amazement.

"Wahoo!" Klonoa cheered.

"With this new process, we'll be able to mass produce steam engines!" Floyd said.

"Heh. Looks like the world's one stop further along on the road to prosperity." Partitio said.

"My dream is one step closer to coming true, too. It's all thanks to you, everyone." Floyd said.

"We're just glad we could help, Floyd." Shantae said.

The group and Floyd later went to the tavern to celebrate their success.

"It's been a long road… My master was the one who invented the first steam engine, you know. We hailed from a coal mining town past its prime. Our mines had all been exhausted, and times were tough. We wanted to find a way to revitalize our dying town. That's when my master came up with the idea for the steam engine. But we didn't have the capital, and our research stalled at the development phase." Floyd explained.

"...That's when Mister Roque showed up, wasn't it?" Partitio asked.

"We owe him so much. He invested in us, employed us… It's been eight years, and now, finally, our shared dream has tangible results." Floyd said.

"We remember what you said to us, Floyd. 'If we can mass produce the steam engine, the world's manufacturing capability will expand tremendously. Prosperity for all, and all will benefit,' you said." Partitio said.

"I believe steam will save my hometown, and all the other places out there that share its fate." Floyd said.

"It'd prove all your master's blood, sweat, 'n' tears were worth it, huh? It'll happen, Floyd." Partitio said.

"Only because of yours and everyone's help, Partitio!" Floyd said. "Ah… Shoot, it's about time for the boss to come by for his inspection."

"You're goin' to see Mister Roque? Can we tag along?" Partitio asked.

"Of course! I'll go on ahead." Floyd said. "I'll let him know you all want to see him. Come by whenever you're all ready!" he said before leaving.

The group soon left the tavern and headed back to the factory, only to find the new steam engine missing.

"That steam engine we finished, it was right here." Partitio said.

"Where could it have gone?" Shiki asked.

"Floyd's not here either." Ajna said before a guard soon came in.

"You there! What're you all doing here!? You're not supposed to be in here." he said before blowing the whistle to summon more guards.

"Uh…sorry to do this but…" Shiki said altering gravity as the guards collapsed head first into the ground. "The steam engine must be in another part of the factory."

"But why would it be moved?" Spade asked.

"Something smells fishy. Time to explore this here factory some more." Partitio said.

The group made their way through the factory before spotting Floyd conversing with the man from before and the steam engine right next to them.

"No… You promised me… You said you'd help me bring the steam engine to impoverished towns that need it…" Floyd said.

"Perhaps we made that promise. Verbally. Non-binding. But you haven't forgotten the contract you signed with us, have you?" the man asked before pulling out said contract. "'All intellectual property rights related to the steam engine will pass to the Roque Company in return for provision of research funding.'"

"Another contract that favors one side… I'm starting to see a pattern here." Weisz said.

"Yeah, no doubt. First it was that there contract that had me and the boys dead to rights back home while Giff got all our money, and now this." Partitio said.

"The Roque Company owns all rights to your steam engine. I'm sure our mutual boss will be delighted to hear that you've invented a better model. Nevertheless, we have no intention of letting anyone else benefit from our property. Period." the man said.

"B-but…!" Floyd stammered.

"Forget your silly dreams, Floyd. They're not needed here." the man said.

"... 'Silly'? I won't stand for that. This research can bring prosperity to people all over the world. Technology exists to make life better for people! That's what gives it value!" Floyd said.

"Well said, Floyd. We're in complete agreement." Partitio said as he and Spirit Force walked down the stairs.

"You people again? This is private property. You all need to leave." the man said.

"True, we are outsiders. But we're also Floyd's friends, so we're gonna say our piece." Partitio said.

"Scum like you who drown in their own greed have no right to walk over people's dreams." Ace said.

"Is that so? Well then…you've made your position quite clear." the man said, blowing on a silent whistle as the group felt heavy footsteps as a large shadow could be seen looming in it. They stood shaking for a bit before in walked a small bulldog.

"A puppy!" Nuna said.

"What? This cute little guy is gonna…" Weisz said before he was grabbed by the mutt and being beaten up all across the room.

"Meet Garnet, he's the boss's favorite hound and our top security hound." he said. "He's chased off anyone who's interfered with our bottom line."

"Wow, sounds like a faithful 'n' true companion." Partitio said as Weisz was thrown back to the group.

"Are you kidding?! Did you see what that dog just did to me?!" Weisz asked.

"Everyone, we should get out of here…right now." Floyd said.

"Nope. We ain't movin. Here's a bit of advice, Floyd. Sometimes, you gotta fight to make your dreams come true." Partitio said.

"So does this mean we have to fight a puppy?" Nuna asked. "Cause I really don't wanna do that."

"Sure looks like it. I don't wanna fight no doggie though." Partitio said.

"That won't be necessary." Natyal said. "Let me handle this."

"Alright, if y'say so, Natyal." Partito said.

"Just you alone? How foolish. Garnet, you know what to do." the man said.

Garnet growled as he ran towards Natyal.

"Sit." Natyal said, glaring at Garnet and making him stop right in his tracks.

"What?! Impossible!" the man said.

"Here's a little tip for you, buddy. Don't send a beast against a beastmaster." Weisz said.

"I'd rather not be so forceful with such a small little dog." Natyal said as she pet Garnet.

"Yeah…you'll think twice before…" Weisz said before Garnet went and attacked him again. "Ah! Why's he only attacking me?"

"I dunno. Maybe he just doesn't like you." Ajna said.

"Come to think of it, Kazuichi had the same problem with Kommo-o when Twilight was raising him, didn't he?" Mari asked.

"Oh yeah. He did mention that. Imagine it was something like this." Stoj said.

"Garnet, please stop attacking my friend." Natyal said. The dog obliged and headed back to the man's side.

"I think now that your security has been pacified, maybe we can make Floyd's point more clear. His steam engine should be shared by everyone in Solistia, not just be kept to this company." Partitio said. "Technology exists to make life better for people. That's what gives it value, right?"

"You haven't changed, Partitio." said a voice as a man walked down the steps wearing a fancy hat and cape over his clothes. "Welcome to the Roque Company. My company."

"Partitio? Is that…" Ace said.

"Yep. That's Mister Roque alright." Partitio said. "Heh. It's been a while, hasn't it? I'm here to have a word with you."

"Oh? Have you finally decided to join my business venture?" Roque asked.

"Wait, he wanted you on his side?" Klonoa asked.

"Yeah. Long time ago before Mister Roque left Oresrush, he wanted me to come with him. I told him no then, and the answers still no now." Partitio said, going back to Roque. "Your time's valuable, I'm sure, so I'll get right to it. Mister Roque… You deceived us, didn't you?"

"Yes. I was the landowner and deceived both you and your father. I wanted that silver mine and would have anything to get it." Roque said.

"Seems you've strayed from the path of righteousness. Now these guys would probably go all punch happy…but we're merchants, so we'll settle this with a transaction. Sell me the rights to the steam engine." Partitio said.

"What? You can't be…" the man said.

"Hmm…My interest is piqued." Roque said. "I'm listening."

"This here technology's an incredible thing, but monopolizing it'll only bring tears. Even a merchant needs to understand that some things are more precious than money." Partitio said.

"Oh…like what?" Roque asked.

"Like fightin' for a better tomorrow." Partitio said. "Things like this should be shared with the whole world. If I owned this steam engine. I wouldn't keep it to myself. That's for sure. Hear that, Floyd? That's the reason we believe in your dream."

"You really haven't changed in the slightest. All right…let's make a deal." Roque said.

"S-sir, you can't mean to-?!" the man started.

"This's what I'm talkin' 'bout. So…what's your price?" Partitio asked.

"Eighty billion leaves." Roque said.

"Ha! We got that much." Shiki said.

"Uh…actually…we've only got about 1,000 left." Mari said.

"Oh…uh…IOU?" Shiki asked.

"It's fine if you need time. The deal will be open for a while. I'll be waiting." Roque said.

"Don't worry, we'll get the money we need. You want eighty billion? You've got it!" Ajna said.

"That's the spirit, Ajna." Partitio said. "A merchant never goes back on his word. Right, Mister Roque?"

"Of course. I'll write up the contract now." Roque said, doing so in a flash.

"'The Roque Company agrees to sell the rights to its steam engine for eighty billion leaves.'. Thankee kindly." Partitio said.

"Our contract has been made, Partitio. Now, if you'll excuse me. I have much business to attend to." Roque said.

"Go on. We'll bring souvenirs next time we see ya: eighty billion of 'em." Partitio said.

"Heh heh heh… I'm looking forward to that day." Roque said before he left with the man.

"I overheard it all, Partitio!" A voice said as climbing down the ladder was Ori.

"Ori?! What're you doing here?!" Rebecca asked.

"Getting a big scoop, that's what! 'Industrial Tycoon Roque Brilliante Picks Business Fight with Roustabout Merchant and Colleagues! A Fight to the Tune of Eighty Billion Leaves!' This'll be on the front page of our next issue for sure! It's gonna be big! Oh, I need to tell my brother about this!" Ori said.

"Well, she's certainly determined." Witch said.

"Reminds me of Leia." Ginseng said.


The group soon exited the factory with Ori and Floyd in tow.

"Not to spoil the mood or anything, but eighty billion is a lot of money. How are we supposed to earn that much?" Rebecca said. "Partitio spent a hundred thousand on the Grand Terry, so we don't nearly have enough."

"I think that's what Roque wants. He's expecting us to give up because he put the price too high." Hermit said.

"She's right, it'll take hundreds of years to earn that much capital!" Floyd said.

"Unless… we seek out someone that has the wealth we need and strike a deal with them!" Kampan said.

"But Kampan, where are we gonna find someone rich enough to give us eighty billion leaves in a business deal?" Rebecca asked.

"I might have an idea." Ori said. "There's a noble on the western continent that has wealth to rival even the great Roque himself! Goes by the name of Alrond! Lord of a town called Wellgrove."

"Wellgrove… that's in the Leaflands. You wanna go for it, Partitio?" Zebei asked.

"You betcha. That smells like a good deal. Let's go see this Alrond!" Partitio said.

"Then let's head to New Delsta, grab the Grand Terry and set sail! We've got work to do!" Baozhai said.

The group soon departed Clockbank, and come the next day, the Delsta Times published Ori's big story in the papers.

Breaking News! Vagrant Peddler Partitio and Colleagues Throw Gauntlet at Wealthy Elite!

Partitio announced his intent to acquire steam engine rights for 80 billion leaves! When asked for comment, Partitio responded: 'Technology exists to make life better for people. That's what gives it value!'

But does his daring declaration have steam?! Read our next issue to find out!

The deal was laid down, and the task seemed impossible to many. But Partitio and Spirit Force weren't going to give up, even in the face of impossible odds. So they set sail westward to Wellgrove so they may find a way to honor Roque's impossible deal. In one way or another… business was about to pick up.


Meanwhile, Mythos Hearts and Fatebreakers were watching the events unfold.

"Eighty billion leaves?! You gotta be kidding me, I've never heard of a price tag like that!" Kazuma said.

"Still, everyone's tales seem to be picking up. Everyone has set off towards their own paths." Ivy said.

"Yes… and you never know when those paths will cross…least….not until now." the sage said. "Four tales shall begin involving these crossing souls…they may seem like detours but their significance will have importance later on."