With help from Partitio and Spirit Force, Darksquad and Osvald managed to arrive at Conning Creek in search of Harvey.

"Conning Creek. All I had was right here… And in the blink of an eye, it was taken from me." Osvald said. "Harvey… I shall have my revenge on you!"

"Wow, say it louder why don't you?" Hitomi said sarcastically. "Seriously, you want the whole town to notice?"

"Apologies." Osvald said.

"It's okay Osvald, we know how much finding Harvey means to you." Noel assured.

"So let's get t'finding him already!" Peacock said. "Where d'ya think he's hiding out?"

"I've no idea where he went after the fire. Perhaps there's some trace of him where my home once stood. And one other matter weighs heavily on my mind." Osvald said.

"For now though, let's head to where your home is." Kido said.

"Right then. To work." Osvald said.

"In a way, some of the Einherjar I have with me, understand how Osvald feels." Laura said.

They headed off the coast where the ruins of an old house once stood.

"So, this is it?" Ragna asked.

"Yes. This is it. My home…" Osvald answered.

"Damn, Harvey really messed it up." Kokonoe said.

"So he did. Five years ago, it was reduced to ash." Osvald said.

Ragna and Jin looked down in thought when Hazama destroyed their home.

"I ventured into the nearby forest to be alone with my thoughts. It was part of my daily routine. A bad habit. When I returned, everything was gone. I was seized by the town guards. And haven't been back since." Osvald said before turning silent as he approached and opened the door, thinking back on when he returned to his loving wife and caring daughter who welcomed him home. "It's so quiet now."

"Osvald…" Noel said in sympathy.

"We'll make sure Harvey gets his, no doubt about it!" Makoto assured.

"But there's one thing we have to figure out. Why would he want to ruin Osvald's life and frame him for his own family's murder?" Linne asked.

"Harvey and I both sought the One True Magic." Osvald said.

"One True Magic? Don't think I've ever heard of magic like that."

"It is something that exists above the six elements of magic." Laura said. "It's said to be more powerful than any spell ever conceived. But, it's never been proven to be real, so most practitioners of magic have passed it off as legends."

"But you and Harvey were both researching the stuff, right Oz? That means you both had to have come close." Peacock said.

"Yes. However, it seemed Harvey was more determined than I was to obtain it. In an act of spite, he set my house ablaze in order to stop my research, taking my wife and child with it. I was accused of their deaths and sent to that frozen hell. In the end, there wasn't even anything left to bury…just corpses burned beyond recognition." Osvald said.

"So if Harvey burned down your house and killed your family to get you out of his way, no doubt he wanted to get his hands on all your research into the One True Magic." 9S said.

"Which would lead him to my study." Osvald said as he looked to a nearby cavern. The group headed inside it and went down to find themselves in an underground laboratory. "As I suspected. My study is intact." he said before he looked around. "And what's more… He's stolen every last one of my formulae. Were they ordinary spells, I would not miss them. The One True Magic, however, requires vastly more complicated calculations. I built those equations myself. All but the last missing piece. Harvey however…took a different approach. So why did he want my formulae?"

"You people there! Who are you?" a voice called out as a woman entered the laboratory. "Oh, my. Oh my, my, my…"

"Lady Clarissa! My assistant!" Osvald recognized. "It's been quite some time. It is I, Osvald. Have you looked after the study during my prolonged absence?" he asked as Lady Clarissa was silent.

"Osvald? You? What a fanciful tale! Osvald is locked away on Frigit Isle." Lady Clarissa said.

"Yeah, but we busted him out a couple of days ago. I know he looks a little different, but that's Osvald right in front of ya!" Peacock assured. "It's just been five years since y'last saw him, so he's got a bit more older…and hairier."

"What proof have you?" Lady Clarissa asked.

"Ha! You think me an impostor?" Osvald asked.

"You have his figure, but that is not enough. The research gathered here is a pile of riches to the people of this town. There are ruffians who would go so far as to impersonate Osvald if it meant stealing his work." Lady Clarissa said.

"What peculiar reasoning." Osvald said.

"'One cannot arrive at the truth without considering every possibility.' That is what the Osvald I know told me." Lady Clarissa said as Osvald was silent before the woman drew a battle staff. "Now… The real Osvald would know how to withstand my magic! And so the result of this duel shall determine whether you be true or not!"

"My dear assistant… You never were the type to let go of a pet theory… Very well." Osvald said before assuming his battle stance. "I have no choice but to help you test your hypothesis… And give you your answer."

"Um, wait, shouldn't we take this outside?" Noel asked.

"Not to worry, this won't take long." Osvald said.

And so it didn't, as Osvald was able to quickly deduce his assistant's weakness to lightning magic, and with a few good Lightning spells, he was able to best Clarissa.

"Magnificent!" Lady Clarissa said.

"Are you satisfied?" Osvald asked.

"Such power… Yes, you could be none other! Welcome back, Osvald." Lady Clarissa said.

"Thank you. I hope I haven't injured you?" Osvald asked.

"If that were enough to exhaust me, I would have no choice but to forfeit my position as your assistant. I've always believed you were innocent, you know." Lady Clarissa said.

"Is that so? On what grounds did you think he was?" Orie asked.

"On the grounds that he is who he is." Lady Clarissa said.

"I'm afraid I don't follow." Osvald replied, shaking his head.

"I am delighted to see you still take things far too seriously. So, why have you returned? And in the company of this strange group of individuals, no less?" Lady Clarissa helped.

"First of all, we're called Darksquad, and don't blame us for looking a little strange." DW typed. "Second, we're here with Osvald because we're helping him look for Harvey. Hard to do when the guy's left no trace of being here."

"Osvald told us how he was declared guilty on the way here. He said he was the only scholar present at the scene of the crime, but he clearly saw Harvey here while his home burned to the ground." 9S said.

"Harvey…" Lady Clarissa said.

"'You, Osvald, were the only scholar of magic present at the scene.' That was the justification provided for the guilty verdict. Yet there Harvey was, standing before me while everything burned. And still, they insist he was not there. So I must also suspect the guard unit that restrained me. I shall investigate their ties to Harvey. Your husband was a guard, yes? Might he know anything?"

"No, I'm afraid not, Osvald." Lady Clarissa answered.

"Hm. Then I shall ask the townsfolk." Osvald said, heading to leave.

"What will you do once you've investigated this case…?" Lady Clarissa asked, to no answer from Osvald as he kept on his way.

"I'm sorry about him, Lady Clarissa. It's just… for these last few days, he's been driven by revenge against Harvey and to avenge his family." Noel said. "To tell the truth, I'm worried about him…he has nothing left in him except revenge, and once he finds Harvey and kills him, what will he have left?"

"Nothing, that's what." Ragna said. "Having one thing on your mind isn't the best idea."

"I see. This is selfish of me to ask, but…perhaps you all could watch over him?" Lady Clarissa asked. "I don't want Osvald to be consumed by his own hatred."

"Don't worry, we'll keep an eye on him. And hey! If we do, we might be able to help him crack this One True Magic stuff." DW typed.

"But Dark Water, the One True Magic is only a legend. Even if Osvald and Harvey both researched it, it hasn't yet been proven to be real." Laura said.

"Not yet it hasn't. It's gotta be real if Ozzy's been studying it. And if we can find some way to help him crack the code and use it? We get bragging rights to say we not only helped him find it but also prove a super powerful magic exists! Now that'd be one heck of a story to tell to the guys once we get back together, am I right?" DW typed.

"It certainly would." Nine nodded. "This One True Magic definitely has me intrigued. Let's keep helping Osvald and maybe see if we can actually help him use it."

The group caught up with Osvald back in Conning Creek, just as he finished scrutinizing the townspeople for information.

"Did you learn anything good, Osvald?" Hyde asked.

"As I thought, the guards are my best lead. It was Stenvar, their captain, who ordered me to investigate. It is my understanding he had a clandestine meeting with Harvey before the incident." Osvald said.

"So you think he might've been bribed by Harvey to turn a blind eye to the actions he framed you for, and then stack all the evidence against you?" A2 asked.

"Only one way to find out. Where can we find Stenvar?" Hyde asked.

"He ought to still be at the guards' main outpost. We shall seek him out." Osvald said as Lady Clarissa was seen approaching. "Lady Clarissa?"

"Your accompaniment told me everything. You aim to have your revenge." Lady Clarissa said, earning a silent reply from Osvald. " Do you remember my husband?"

"Ethan? How could I forget him? He referred you to me." Osvald replied.

"He passed away… not long after the incident." Clarissa revealed. "He washed up in the harbor. They claim he took his own life. He had no reason to do such a thing, and the guards never investigated further. Before the incident, well… it felt like he knew something."

"Then will you not investigate his death?" Osvald asked.

"'Nothing begets nothing'. Those are your words. Revenge is nothing, Osvald. It is empty and hollow." Lady Clarissa said.

"Even so… I must go." Osvald said as he forged ahead, Darksquad right behind him.

"Well look after him. Don't worry." Makoto said as they headed to the guard outpost.

It wasn't long before they made their way inside, soon confronting Stenvar himself. He was a blonde-haired man with a mustache, wearing a regal guard captain's uniform.

"Who are you people?" He asked, turning to see Osvald leading the group. "That bearlike build…Wait, I remember you… Osvald V. Vanstein."

"In the flesh." Osvald replied.

"You're presumed dead in a botched escape attempt from Frigit Isle." Stenvar said.

"As you can see, he is very much alive." 2B said.

"Would you mind telling us where one Professor Harvey is?" Orie asked. "We'd appreciate it if you'd give us an answer. I'd rather not be forceful."

Stenvar stayed silent at that.

"You met with him in secret before my family burned. None other than the late husband of Lady Clarissa attested as much. But you refused to hear him and had him killed instead. In exchange for Harvey's coin." Osvald said.

"And judgin' from all the moolah you got lyin' around here, I think we can all agree that it's pretty easy to buy you up, huh?" Peacock asked, noting the numerous treasure chests filled with leaves in the room.

"Hehe… my my, you scholars certainly are a shrewd lot. I confess! I aided and abetted Harvey. Facts are malleable things, you see. The powerful can bend em' to their will. Provided they have enough coin that is." Stenvar said. "I'm rather fond of coin. It can't be bent the same way, see? Hell, I'd do anything for it! It has given me all you see before you."

"A man of justice, corrupted by his own greed…" 2B said as she assumed her stance.

(Cue: In Pursuit of Revenge ~ Critical Clash 2- Octopath Traveler 2)

"So, you gonna tell us where Harvey is? Hate to see anything splatter all over this money you got lying around." DW typed.

"Wish I knew… Doesn't matter though. I can't let any of you go." Stenvar said, drawing a halberd as two of his men came running in to support him. "You all know too much, and that's not good for me."

"Ah, yes. Of course." Osvald said.

"Osvald V. Vanstien, the tragic scholar and his cohorts. Let's see how malleable those bones of yours are!" Stenvar declared.

Corrupt Conning Creek Peacekeeper

Captain Stenvar

"His men are protecting him. If we want to take him down, we have to get rid of his guards first." Jin said.

"I've discerned their weakness to axes. That should help thin the numbers." Osvald said.

"In that case, I suppose it is time." Kido said as he had Camilla's Bracelet on. "Emblem, Engage!" he called as he was engulfed in a bright light, and appeared wearing a male version of Camilla's outfit as his hair was now a lavender purple, in his right hand was Camilla's axe, and in his left, a tome.

"Lookin' good, Kido!" Makoto said.

"A costume change won't help you!" Stenvar said as he and his men advanced,

"Get out of my sight!" Kido said as he swung Camilla's axe at Stenvar's men, stunning them.

"Very effective…" Osvald said.

"You haven't seen anything yet, Emblems do more than give us a boost." Makoto said. "For right now though, let's thin the numbers!"

"Indeed. Let's bring them down. Mystic Chain!" Laura called as she turned upside down and delivered five spinning kicks to one of the soldiers.

"Fire, burn." Osvald said as he finished off Stenvar's guards with a blast of fire.

"Okay, Stenvar's open! Now what?" Peacock asked.

"We hit him, too. He's weak to lightning, darkness, Swords, bows, and polearms." Kokonoe said.

"In other words, we have a field day with this guy!" DW said.

The sword users on Darksquad charged Stenvar and engaged him in combat, cutting into him with their blades. Osvald, Kido, and Laura joined in by casting their own thunder spells.

"Thunder Sword!" Laura called, firing a large concentrated beam of energy at Stenvar.

"Lightning!" Kido added, casting the spell from the tome in his left hand.

"Strike them down." Osvald declared, casting his lightning bolt spell.

Stenvar was worn down enough that he was on his last legs, and that gave Kido the cue to finish him off. Brandishing Camilla's Axe, he flew into the air on top of her wyvern as the axe caught fire.

"Time to play!" Kido called as he flew toward Stenvar and slammed Camilla's axe down, dealing a brutal hit on him, taking him down. The resulting attack also caused the entire room to catch fire, his chests of leaves burning up. "That's all? Very disappointing."

(end song)

"Looks like your fortune's going up in flames. Unless you wanna be next on the barbeque menu, you'd better have Harvey's location." DW typed.

"I swear I don't know…" Stenvar said.

"Oh really? Well, maybe I can be more convincing." Hitomi said, drawing her claws. "Unless you wanna keep your mustache, and your whole face, you'd better remember where Harvey is."

"And if you refuse even after that, I think Camilla and I can be a bit more persuasive." Kido said.

"O-oh yes, that's right! I've just remembered something!" Stenvar admitted, finally giving in. "The research Harvey stole from Osvald. It's been sent to Montwise! On Harvey's orders!"

"Montwise… has he taken it to the library there?" Osvald asked as the fire spread around the chests of coins.

"M-my precious coin!" Stenvar cried, just now noticing his stash was on fire. The group then left the captain to watch all his earned money burn.

Outside in the dead of night….

"So, Montwise… isn't that a city back east? It's also known as the City of Scholars." Hyde said.

"That's right. And it is also where Harvey and I first met." Osvald said.

"It doesn't take a genius to know Harvey set this all up. He kept Stenvar alive so he could tell us where he is." Ragna said.

"And our assistance or not, he also knew that Osvald would escape so that he would follow him." Jin said.

"You want us to follow you, don't you, Harvey?" Osvald asked. "If so…we'll play along. We'll fall right into your trap."

"Osvald…don't you think that's a bit much?" Noel asked.

"Yeah, I know we said we'd help you find this guy, but you're really set on revenge this much, huh?" Hyde asked.

"Is revenge really all you want? And even if it is, what would you have left after you kill Harvey with your own two hands?" Laura asked. "There is nothing to be gained from vengeance. You must let more back into your heart and seek something better."

"Maybe we can visit your family's graves? We can pay them respects before we head to Montwise. I'm sure you need it too…it's been five years." Linne said.

"Linne's right. Don't you still have love for your family even after all those years in prison?" Noel asked.

"I forgot what love was a long time ago." Osvald answered regretfully. "I must find Harvey. That is everything." he said as he headed out, Darksquad right behind him.

"Gang? We ain't letting him destroy himself over revenge. We can agree on that, right?" DW typed to his crew without Osvald knowing.

"Yes. Revenge can't be his everything. We will help him." Laura nodded.

Osvald puts the town he once called home behind him. He can't bear to visit the graves of his wife and daughter. Not yet. How can he face them when he has done nothing to avenge them?

The fire within him yet burns. This he swears: He shall not return until it's all over. Until the fire within him has burnt out.

But Darksquad will not allow that to happen.