Dragon Quest: Maboroshi no Daichi is a ten volume series from Monthly GANGAN based on Dragon Quest VI. It mostly follows the game but features a few added story elements, great art, and great action.
The story begins with three travelers sitting around a fire. The leader says the time is right and the trio walks out to a nearby cliff. A young girl plays a flute, summons a dragon, and flies to the castle of Maou Mudo. The three enter and do not encounter any trouble until they reach the throne room. Mudo surprises them and seemingly kills the girl and the martial artist. After Mudo defeats the leader, Botsu, he wakes up at home in the village of Lifecod.
If you've played Dragon Quest VI, you know the plot of Maboroshi no Daichi. It closely follows the game with a few side adventures. For example, the first ally Botsu meets isn't Hassan. It's Weak Spot, a Slime Botsu rescues from a gang of evil Spotted Slimes. There are also solo adventures with Terry and Chamoro before the game formally introduces them.
Botsu
Botsu is our hero and is on a quest to save the world and recover his lost memory. He's from the village of Lifecod and makes many friends and discoveries along the way.
Weak Spot
Weak Spot's a Spotted Slime that Botsu saved from a bad gang of Spotted Slimes on the Lifecod mountain trail. It accompanies him on his journey, helping Botsu out and scaring villagers.
Hassan
Hassan is a traveling martial artist. He meets Botsu during a competition in Rydock and team up to reach the top of the Tower of Trials. He's a great fighter, provides lots of comic relief, and has a slight crush on Mileyu.
Mileyu
Mileyu is a young and beautiful dancer. Botsu and Hassan meet her in San Marino. She lives in a cottage with her grandmother, Grandmaz, and eventually joins the party in their hunt for Mudo.
Terry
Terry is Mileyu's brother and a powerful swordsman. In Maboroshi no Daichi, you get to see what Terry did before he meets up with the party during the fight with the Battle Rex.
Manga Covers
MnD #1 MnD #2 MnD #3 MnD #4 MnD #10 Thanks to Arron Capone for cover #10!
Misc.
Botsu and Hassan Terry and Heaven armor Botsu and Chamoro
