![[Early Access] "Shall We Make A Pact?"](https://img5.nokimo.com/storage/10/cv/mz/fb3178-019e90a1-c51c-759b-9ee1-cdc63cfc9116.jpg)
[Early Access] "Shall We Make A Pact?"
Added 2023-09-29 17:41:02 +0000 UTCTasked with showing Zaros around the Royal Gardens, you steel yourself for the day ahead and do your duty. But the past weighs on more than just yourself, and talk of the near future cannot be avoided.
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The Noble Trials Episode 2 is officially here! As you might've guessed, this particular series is huge compared to all the others so it takes much longer to put together. I would definitely consider it my passion project out of all the series, and I hope you're enjoying it as much as I am! I'm still using it as a way to improve my editing, especially when it comes to an immersive soundscape and the addition of a soundtrack, but I think it's getting there!
It sounds like a full audio drama, and considering the length (which is my longest yet), I can't believe I've reached a point where creating this kind of audio is the new normal!
FEATURING:
Words By Parker as Nira Atha'lin - https://www.youtube.com/@WordsByParker
Stephanie Swan Quills as Queen Roena - https://www.youtube.com/@StephanieSwanQuills
Thumbnail artwork by the wonderful Kei! Follow them here! https://twitter.com/keimoneuwu
Disclaimer: The primary focus of this audio is story-driven, not ASMR. Please be aware there may be loud sounds such as explosions, screaming, yelling, etc.
Comments
Zaros is interesting! it's so strange, because i find him—and his mother too tbh—to be grating... but at the same time, i can't bring myself to fully disagree with their views 🥲 i'm all for toppling ridgid class systems and giving more power and benefits to the common folk (it's a basis of many of my own short stories), but their attitudes do rub on me like sandpaper. i love it 😂 ironically enough, the one i'm most befuddled by is Listener. stepping into their shoes makes me sympathize with them a lot, and i don't think it's fair at all for them to be judged for the circumstances of their birth. what is their end game? how much do they actually know? what are their values? it's all so intruiging! and like some others have said, i cannot fault Zaros at all for being...sharp with them, if he was treated as poorly as he says he was. but the past is so shrouded in mystery! so who knows! still though...i'm wary of his mother. i want to say that their intentions are genuine for the smallfolk (again, in these worlds i'd totally be all for "eating the rich" 😂), but a part of me is suspicious. if Zaros wins, how much of his will is his own? how much of it is his mother's? are there ulterior motives at play (probably)? what are they? and what the hell is going on in Listener's head? how will things change if they win (or WILL they change)? i'm gonna listen to the next audio ASAP. after the livestream, i wanted to continue the series, and i'm excited to see how things pan out! excellent work, as always. 😊
Lilli
2024-02-18 15:10:45 +0000 UTCI thought i said this earlier but i forgot, as much as Zaro's mother makes me irritated her voice is SO GOOD it's like smooth as honey, silky, full, idk how to describe it but i love it so much AHHH 💕💔😩, her VA did a really good job, as well as the queen she sounds very soothing, and calming, i love them both. i think i will be listening to more of them, especially Nira's VA
Orchidontis
2024-01-29 00:24:17 +0000 UTCThis is clearly going to be your most immersive and in depth world building story to date. You've really upped the anti as they say and I am enjoying how much beyond just the story that you have included. Your sound design is getting even better as is your ability to create a world that feels real while also being fantastical.
Katherine
2023-10-07 03:01:09 +0000 UTCI listened to this for the third time yesterday because it's too damn good and immersive. I really liked how much world building there is simply by the conversations that are held even if it's just small details. Nira talking about the shrub, Zaros about the flowers, the tale/poem that Zaros told listener, the guy who (I think) feigns loyalty to the Queen while criticizing her behind her back, the dead brother and grandmother mystery, and all the other one-off mentions. It all makes the world feel so lived in and so much bigger even though this audio is only contained in the garden/library. Idk, maybe this isn't something to feel so giddy about, but I really enjoyed learning about the world in this audio. Also, I can't praise this audio without mentioning your masterful use of the music. Holy shit it was soooooo GOOD. Honestly, I'm so glad you're using music as a dramatic element in this series rather than as an in-verse element of the environment. It really amplifies the story and I really loved how it was used in talking about the dead brother and in the library. Sounded so fucking cinematic. The VAs for Nira and the Queen KILL IT every single time. They are so incredibly talented. Always happy to see them pop up in one of your audios. Overall, I can't wait to learn more about this world and other characters that may show up. Hopefully the listener is competent at something and can prove themselves a capable ruler because with all of the insults Zaros gives them even I'm becoming discouraged. That guy can't say one good thing about the listener holy shit…I could drone on and on about his character but this comment is getting way too long, so I'll just say that it would be nice if listener can make a friend that can be a buffer between them and Zaros. Also, for Zaros to get knocked down a peg because the constant insults to listener's character and their capabilities is driving me insane. He seems to have his own insecurities but holy shit does he get a kick out of berating the listener every chance he gets. It can only pass as "teases" for so long before he goes too far. He's far from my favorite character but I can't really say that I hate him, just that he's a very frustrating person. Definitely can't wait to learn more about him and for him to develop further. Anyway, I'll wrap this long ass comment up by saying that the Noble Trials series is clearly my favorite among what you've made and your passion for storytelling really shines through. Can't wait for Part 3 and for the rest of the story to unfold.
Choco
2023-10-04 17:14:45 +0000 UTCAmazing work as always I really can't wait for part 3 but no rush!!! ALSO ALSO!! IDK why I half expected them to run into a friend or a slight confidant after all the roasting, even if you're as lonely as the listener seems to be there's always someone even if they don't trust anyone
Naniky
2023-10-03 06:58:49 +0000 UTCAs much as he and everyone talk about listener, I dont think he has the whole picture as much as he thinks he does the cheeky lil shit and since they wont talk either, he's filling the gaps they won't touch. I dont think listener even wants this to beginning with... (spoilers for the Audio) and now there's a dead brother!!! Also I think they are use to people talking to them like he does but maybe not as direct as he does. Tbh I kind see something like Ciel from Black Butler...(spoilers) like they were an after thought and maybe they had a plan for the future that didn't involve the family or titles and then bro died... there goes a theory 🤷♀️🤷♀️
Naniky
2023-10-03 06:55:45 +0000 UTC46 minutes of Zaros proving that we have a lot of work to do before the trials 🥲 (mom can you pick me up? i'm scared 😂). All jokes aside this was a great second part! The immersive background audio and the music especially were really, really well done! That last little "just like old times" combined with the track that was playing was diviiiiine, it envoked a very strong emotion in me while listening. Really well done Saku, thank you for transporting us to this story every time 💛
sepia
2023-09-30 23:03:55 +0000 UTCAnd when not talking about history and books they would make fun in a teasing way of their listeners...
Catto
2023-09-30 15:15:02 +0000 UTCWhat would i give for a conversation between Zaros and Andrew, they would start and and not stop talking about history😹
Catto
2023-09-30 15:04:05 +0000 UTCOffer to teach us more? ARRRGGH he’s so hot yet such an ahole. Also the way he says “I feel ✨sorry✨ for u” OMGGGGG bro I can hear the annoying smirk.. I understand y the listener has tried slapping him 😭 (it was low key so fucking hot but whatever 😔)
melon
2023-09-30 02:42:26 +0000 UTCI can tell Zaros is such a well-written character because he sometimes makes me so angry! He speaks the truth and gives such solid advice that it makes me upset to be in the Listener's shoes! He's so blunt and honest that I LIVE for it! His mom didn't have to rip us up like that though ( ;-;). Beautiful audio, I'm excited to hear what's to come!
KimikoRaine
2023-09-29 23:08:14 +0000 UTCYESSSS !!!!
Kao
2023-09-29 22:31:10 +0000 UTCIt interest me that Zaros seems to come across a tiny bit of a hypocrite but I don’t think we as the listener have picked him up on it. He seems to enjoy getting under the listeners skin in public knowing that we have to be polite and dignified and can’t lash back without us looking bad because his reputation didn’t matter to him. It’s like a child poking a dog that’s been muzzled. Defiantly want to know where this is going.
XProphaneX
2023-09-29 22:27:50 +0000 UTCgotta love 46 minutes of mansplaining😭
Hannah
2023-09-29 22:23:49 +0000 UTCGollyy! A lot to take in here, might need to listen to this once more later lol. Other than the heavy lore, I can tell that Zaros may be your most complex character in the Sakuverse so far, Saku 🤭. The music and the amount of inspirational quotes Zaros was spewing at us was truly remarkable. Huge props to you for making this audio and the other VAs that were also a part of this audio. Can't wait what else you have in store for Zaros~✨🤎 (Also, buzz buzz whehe)
Azulaoi
2023-09-29 21:35:21 +0000 UTCSCREAMING RN I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!!
saiva
2023-09-29 20:59:57 +0000 UTCIM SCREAMINF I DIDNT EXPECT A SECOND PART SO SOON but omg the end almost made me cry i’m in love
isleaf
2023-09-29 19:11:48 +0000 UTCmy mind is buzzing like the bees with different thoughts and opinions and wow is my brain active now CHEF'S KISS
liisa
2023-09-29 18:33:48 +0000 UTCi just finished 🥹🥺 i cant wait to learn more about their past
mei
2023-09-29 18:30:02 +0000 UTCcan’t wait for tonight OMG.
Jxshuah_
2023-09-29 17:48:23 +0000 UTCRAAAAAAHHHH
Jxshuah_
2023-09-29 17:48:17 +0000 UTCYEAAAAAAAAEARAATAA I BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE‼️‼️‼️🔥🔥🔥🔥
Jxshuah_
2023-09-29 17:48:08 +0000 UTCZAROS IS BACK 🤞🤞🤞
jude ･ ｡ﾟ☆
2023-09-29 17:48:01 +0000 UTCThank you for your hard work!
Spring
2023-09-29 17:43:54 +0000 UTCthe way my jaw dropped at 46 minutes and immediately went to grab my headphones to listen. THANK YOU.
mei
2023-09-29 17:42:56 +0000 UTC
