Chapter 4 Sidequesting (2)

Solution 1 (Cyrus or Alfyn): Travel to Marsalim. Find the Scholarly Youth at the top right of town near stairs. Inquire/Scrutinize him for 'City of Gold' information. Return to the Passionate Reader in Atlasdam.

Solution 2 (Ophilia or Primrose): Teleport to Grandport. Exit the town and head to West Grandport Coast. Find the Best-Selling Author NPC on the western side. Use Guide/Allure to have him follow you. Speak with the Passionate Reader in Atlasdam's library with the Author present.

Reward: 9,000 Leaves, Alluring Ribbon.

Objective: Investigate reports of a giant serpent in Quicksand Caves.

Information Gathering: Exit Wellspring to Northern Wellspring Sands. Find a soldier north of the save point. Use Inquire/Scrutinize to get 'The Giant Serpent’s Master' information.

Location: Quicksand Caves, northeast of Wellspring (requires navigating around to the north and U-turning south).

Inferno Axe: Purple chest found via a secret path along the southern edge, east of the previous chest.

Fire Soulstone L: Brown chest to the east, south of the hidden path.

Calming Stone: Chest found via a hidden path to the east, north of the Fire Soulstone L.

Inspiriting Plum Basket: Chest at the western end of the cave.

Protective Bracelet: Chest north and west of the Inspiriting Plum Basket.

Boss Fight: At the end of the cave, you'll encounter the Giant Python and Snake Charmer. This fight is recommended after completing Chapter 3. Equip accessories that prevent Sleep.

Snake Charmer: Weak to Swords, Bows, Staves, Lightning, Wind. Buffs the Python with abilities like “Now is your time to shine” (grants Python two actions), “Go get them” (buffs Python's physical attack), and “Keep me safe” (increases Python's shields and protects its weaknesses). Can use Rampage when alone (single action, high damage).

Key Strategy: Focus on breaking the Giant Python's shields quickly. Alternate breaking the Python and the Snake Charmer. Prioritize defeating the Giant Python due to its higher HP and dangerous opening move. Avoid defeating the Snake Charmer first, as the Python becomes significantly stronger.

Helpful Skills: Merchant's Hired Help (Mercenaries option) for physical defense buffs.