Spinecracking...
Spinecracking...
Chapter 1.20 R
Ryoka Griffin establishes herself as a capable Runner in Remendia, navigating guild politics and brushing off attempts at friendship from fellow Runner Garia Strongheart. During a long-distance run to Wales, she survives a goblin ambush on the road. Despite achieving extraordinary physical feats, Ryoka uses sheer willpower to block the System's notifications, stubbornly refusing to accept a new class and skill.
Ryoka Griffin operates out of the Runner's Guild in the city of Remendia. Due to her Asian features, locals frequently mistake her for a Drathian. As she takes on delivery jobs, she regularly interacts with a relentlessly friendly Female Receptionist and navigates the local Runner hierarchy. At the guild, Ryoka meets Garia Strongheart, an incredibly strong, friendly farm girl who persistently tries to befriend her despite Ryoka's cold and distant demeanor. Ryoka also clashes with Fals, a passive-aggressive senior Runner who attempts to dictate which jobs newcomers are allowed to take. Ignoring his unwritten rules, Ryoka chooses jobs based on her own preferences.
Taking a delivery, Ryoka sets out on a thirty-mile run from Remendia to the neighboring city of Wales. Along the way, she contemplates the lack of classic fantasy species like Elves and Dwarves, comparing her current world to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Her run is violently interrupted when she is ambushed by a group of Goblins and a larger Hobgoblin hiding in the tall grass near Celum. Relying on her speed and endurance, she manages to survive and escape the ambush, eventually reaching Wales and resting at a local inn.
As a result of her continuous barefoot running and survival against the monsters, Ryoka triggers a System notification. The voice in her head attempts to grant her the [Barefoot Runner] class and a new Skill, [Runner's—]. In a display of sheer willpower and stubbornness, Ryoka actively suppresses the voice in her mind. She successfully blocks the notifications, refusing to accept the System's mechanics or allow herself to level up.
Ryoka takes jobs at the Remendia Runner's Guild, brushing off the aggressive gatekeeping of senior Runner Fals and the persistent friendliness of Garia Strongheart.
While running thirty miles to the city of Wales, Ryoka is ambushed by a group of Goblins and a Hobgoblin hiding in the tall grass. She manages to outrun them and survive.
An anti-social, barefoot runner from Earth who works as a messenger in Izril.
aka City Runner, Miss Runner +5
A sturdy, friendly Runner who carries massive loads and persistently tries to befriend Ryoka.
aka Garia
A guild in Liscor, likely for couriers or messengers.
After her strenuous run and survival, the System attempts to grant Ryoka the [Barefoot Runner] class and a new Skill. Through sheer willpower, she rejects the notification and refuses to level up.
A species whose chieftain was defeated by Erin, earning her a bounty.
aka Hob, Hobgoblins
“Good morning, Miss Ryoka.”
“Hi.”
“It’s a pleasure to see you’re doing well! Do you have any requests to turn in? Magnolia Reinhart’s delivery…?”
“Three seals. I got it to her.”
“Very well. I’ll witness your claim.”
“Wonderful. You were lucky to pick up that delivery for Lady Reinhart. She was pleased, I hope?”
“Yep.”
“Most Runners fight over the right to deliver something to her. She pays extra for speed, and of course, she’s been known to tip generously too. You’re all signed out.”
“Thanks.”
“Something else, Miss Griffin?”
“Yeah. Goblins. I ran into a small tribe outside of Celum in the tall grass. A Hob, some Goblins. One had a bow. They jumped me, but I got out of it. The Watch knows, but put up a notice.”
“You escaped a Goblin ambush? And a Hob? Are you sure it was a Hob?”
“He was taller than me, so yeah. Had a sword, shield…decent armor.”
“That’s no good. How did they sneak up on you?”
“They were lying in the grass. Leapt up and almost stabbed me. I outran them. I don’t know where they went.”
“No wonder you made City Runner so quick! I’ll let the local Runners know to watch out.”
“Eh. They weren’t that fast.”
“Hey, Ryoka!”
“Did you just finish your deliveries to Celum? That’s fast! I normally have a bite to eat in the markets. They do a wonderful cinnamon bun in the mornings, but I guess you already ate, right?”
“Mhm.”
“And you did it barefoot? I thought the others were just playing a prank on me when they said you ran everywhere without shoes.”
“I run everywhere without shoes.”
“Why? Too cheap for them?”
“I’m just slower with shoes, that’s all.”
“Oh, so it’s a class thing? That makes sense. But is the, uh, [Barefoot Runner] class better than the [Messenger] class?”
“Exactly. We all like her. I know she wanted someone to deliver that blue drink she likes so much. Did she share any with you?”
“I wasn’t interested.”
“Right, well, it would just be best if you let another Runner take the request next time. Not that you don’t have a right to it—it’s just that we like to share the request. Give others a chance to take it easy, okay?”
“Got it.”
“Just so you know. Good luck on your run! Let’s have a drink next time, alright?”
“See ya.”
“That’s so stupid!”
“How about a nali-stick, Ryoka? My dad’s a [Farmer]—I told you, remember? He was trying to grow some on his farm, but most didn’t grow well. It’s super sweet. Want some?”
“Pass.”
“What’s the reward for this one?”
“Oh that? It’s one of the old-style requests. You get them now and then. Someone sends a [Message] that they want a delivery and they promise payment. But we have no idea how much they’re willing to pay and who they want the package delivered to. At least it’s confirmed.”
“Confirmed?”
“That means we can at least prove they’re not [Bandits]. Who’s this one from? Oh. Don’t take this request.”
“Why not?”
“It’s for the High Passes. I know you’re not local to here, but you know the High Passes?”
“Very nasty place. More Runners have died there than—well, it’s bad. Tons of monsters live around the area. It’s a Gold-rank threat. Or…Named-rank. Even a Courier wouldn’t do that lightly. How much do they want?”
“Hmm. It says the price is ‘to be agreed upon.’ But they’re offering twenty gold just to visit…”
“Twenty gold? That’s a fortune for City Runners—and way too little to risk for the High Passes! This has to be a joke. No one lives there. Here—”
“Maybe if we get a famous Courier like Tritel, the Moonlight Rider, he’ll take a look, but otherwise, I bet it’s a prank. Like asking someone to visit the moon.”
“How about you and I do this delivery of ore to Pelingor? It would be a long haul, but they’re offering a gold coin for delivery today! Plus the roads are very safe. Whaddya say?”
“I’ll pass.”
“Again?”
“I’m not good at running in groups. Or with that much weight.”
“Well, if you’re sure. But we should run together sometime. How about in a few days we do the Tern Road run and deliver the spices to Celers and Remendia?”
“Fine.”
“Great! I’ll let you know when it comes up.”
“Sure.”
“Fals!”
“Fals, how’re you doing?”
“We just finished a run to a group of adventurers out near the old ruins. Albez? They bought a bunch of potions and supplies. And tipped well, so we’re going to celebrate.”
“And you don’t have a scratch on you.”
“We’re not stupid enough to get near the monsters. I saw a few undead, but we kept well clear of them.”
“So why are you here? Going to accept another assignment?”
“Nah. I’m too tired for that. No, I just wanted to have a word with our newest Runner here.”
“Ryoka, how’re you doing?”
“Fine.”
“Good, good. I was wondering if you needed any advice, what with you being so new. Normally, most Runners begin as Street Runners first. But you impressed the Guildmaster so much you made City Runner in two weeks. It was that or you’d run the rest of the Street Runners out of business!”
“Well, I noticed you took Magnolia’s request this morning. It’s a good run, isn’t it?”
“There were a few Goblins on the road.”
“Right, right.”
“The thing is, it’s a really good delivery. It pays well, it’s safe—well, mostly safe—and Runners like Magnolia. She tips well and shares her deliveries.”
“She once gave me a few treats she imported from overseas. They were frozen bits of fruit and sugar. Tasted amazing.”