Sanctuberry: Day of Legend

Chapter 7 | Sanctuberry: Day of Legend is a story segment in Echoes of Mana.

Storyline
Back to the Sanctuary of Mana, Baashear is surprised to see that the protagonist spotted a new fruit ready to be harvested before him. The little fluffball has a sneaking suspicion about something special lurking in that mana fruit. The Mana Goddess appear before them, telling them to make haste to the new echo, sharing that she too senses something good out of it. Their twin is excited to see that both Baashear and the goddess seem to share mutual good luck in that particual echo, hinting that the protagonist might find the Mana Sword this time.

The main character ends up teleporting in mid-air near a large waterfall alongside Duffle and Honeycomb, all of them plummeting into a lake below. Baashear seems displeased to see them both coming along the rise, angering Honeycomb who tells the tiny sheep that they are just useless echoes to him. Baashear admits that he is glad to see them, which somehow makes amends. Duffle and the fluffball seems excited to get on the expedition to find the real Mana Sword this time. Honeycomb notices that the water from the falls is flowing backwards, with a mysterious traveler intruding on their conversation telling that it's the product of miracles. He adds that once travelers go up the waterfall, they can reach the temple where the Mana Tree is enshrined. Acording to him, this is the perfect chance to pay worship to the goddess, before departing himself. Duffle comments on Baashear and the harvester already having coming from a sanctuary in their world, but the flufball nuances that fact by adding the Mana Tree they know is a mere shadow of its former self, as when fully powered, the sacred tree can easily trace all sources of life and memories, even changing the natural laws within a world. The only thing left to do is to retrieve the legendary blade.

Duffle comments on that's the group second mana adventure involving water, since last time they were together they crossed Lake Kiyama. Baashear isn't very keen on hopping into the waterfall, since he hates getting his fur wet. That won't deter him from doing his mission all the way through though.

Duffle asks the harvester their plans for when this is all over, she asks if they're interested in staying in Pinzton at her parents' inn. Honeycomb tells his chipper friend she should ask her elders' permission first, saying that the main character could also stay at his house. The trio decides to finish their adventure first before settling on that thought.

The party enters the Mana Temple, with Honeycomb getting uneasy about the place. He tells Duffle to stay close, but she immediately disobey him by getting sidetracked by a magic circle. The young mage tries to get her out of it in time, but both are teleported away, effectively sealing the portal. Baashear and the harvester cannot use the teleporter, with the fluffball telling his compadre they must look for their friends by looking around. The magic circle suddently starts flashing, with Blainchet and Raxa emerging from it. Raxa tells the group they just minding their own business when they just got warped here. She is surprised to see the main character all alone, so Baashear take it upon himself to explain everytghing that happened. The newly formed trio decides to go search for the missing companions.

While Blainchet is reticent to use the magic circles, Raxa says there's no other way, and no knowing where it will lead you is half the fun. After wandering aimlessly inside the structure, Raxa ponders about the Mana Tree being able to grant whishes by simply touching it. Baashear objects to this greedy perspective, since the whole reason they are on this journey is to save their world. Raxa then asks Blainchet why he is still hanging with them if he's supposed to be searching for his people. He replies that he feels helping others is more important than his own personal goals. Raxa then comments being selfish is less dangerous to one's health.

The group approaches another magic circle, with Baashear having a bad feeling about it. The team cannot seem to make up its mind whether or not using the teleporter, so Raxa pushes Blainchet, the harvester, and Baashear into it. The whole team is separated again, but the main character quickly meets with a lone knight called Sumo. The lad tells the duo that he has a strange feeling that they are being guided by that same fate.

Sumo tells of an evil-doer with his sight set on the Mana Tree as well. He's on a mission to stop it.

While searching the ruins, the harvest and Baashear have a vision of Sumo turning into the Mana Goddess. The knight is confused at the fact both of his companions seem to be glaring at him intently, but resume is quest nonetheless. Baashear confides in the protagonist that this might be an omen for an echo or a sign to guide them to the Mana Tree.

Sumo warns his teammates that there are some nasty beasts in the area. The fluffball replies he's surprised to see the young knight using magic he's never seen before. A giant dragon makes its way to the heroes, blocking their way to their next destination. The two adventurers manage to get rid of it after a tough battle, with Baashear expressing his unbridled admiration to the harvester.

The group arrives near a lone maiden with her back turned to them. Baashear comments on her aura being reminescent of the Mana Goddess. Sumo explains that she IS the Mana Tree. Sumo draws his blade the very moment another Sumo rushes near the goddess, accompanied by Duffle, Honeycomb, Blainchet, and Raxa. Duffle cries the Sumo that the harvester and Baashear has been following is a fake, but the knight immediately slays the maiden without anyone has a chance to act. This Sumo reveals himself to be Julius is disguise, a powerful sorcerer in search of the Mana Sword. He taunts the arriving party they'll never get the blade, as he might have failed last time, but he won't get his second chance go to waste. The real Sumo swears he won't stop preventing him for gaining the power he seeks, and the group engage the magician in combat.

Julius reminds Sumo that he bested him in another world and took the Mana Sword, thwarting is plans for world domination. Hopefully for the sorcerer, the memory of this world gives him a chance to prove his might it all over again. The power of all the teammates proves not to be enough for besting Julius, but the goddess' voice rings through Sumo's heart, telling him to not lose hope, as even with her powers, the Mana Sword has answered his heart. The rusty blade Sumo was using transforms into the Mana Sword, enough for the young knight to gain the advantage. Julius admits defeat, but asks the harvester why they have chosen Sumo's side, as their ambitions are similar. Baashear is shocked by that remark, but the magician continues that he might have been defeated now, but he would return.

With Julius gone, the party can properly reunite. Duffle is glad to see them back and Heonycomb is impressed at the harvester's fighting abilities having progressed quickly is such a short amount of time. Duffle apoligizes to Honeycomb for being so reckless, but the young mage says he's too tired to give her a lesson. Blainchet asks the main character if the sword Sumo carries is the Mana Sword he's been looking for, but it doesn't seem to be the case. Sumo is surprised to learn that there is a whole other legendary blade, with Duffle commenting on his transforming into one mid battle. The young knight admits he went out of his way finding that rusty sword and he was quite disappointed by its look at first. Sumo adds that the sword might be hiding its true self till the protagonist comes along, just like his. Baashear then orders the harvester to touch the Mana Tree to guide them both back to their world, but a portal appears before they can do so with the Ebon Knight jumping out of it. The dark opponent hurls his sword to the main character, making them falter and opening up a dark portal. Duffle and Honeycomb tries to defend their friend, but are sent back by the Ebon Knight's dark magic. Both the evil-doer, the harvester and Baashear escape through the portal closing in on them.

Objectives
Note: All stats are under normal difficulty.

Trivia

 * Sanctuberry may come from Sanctuary and berry, which is fitting since the majority of the setting takes place inside the Sanctuary of Mana. This particular Echo fruit is shaped like a sword, possibly referencing the original Sword of Mana that is otherwise known as Excalibur.