Chronicling...
Chronicling...
Chapter 1.44 R
Ryoka defeats a Bronze-rank adventurer hired by Persua using martial arts and a paralysis skill. After learning her adventurer friends have left for Esthelm, she uses parkour to escape a pursuer across the rooftops of Celum. Frustrated by her employees' failures, Magnolia arrives at Ryoka's inn to confront her personally.
The chapter begins with a physical altercation orchestrated by Persua, who sends Arnel, a tough Bronze-rank adventurer, to attack Ryoka Griffin. Despite Arnel possessing the [Enhanced Strength] skill, Ryoka easily defeats him by relying on her knowledge of Muay Thai and utilizing her newly acquired [Nerve Strike: Paralysis] skill to incapacitate him.
Following the fight, Ryoka learns that Ceria, Gerial, and Calruz have already departed Celum and are en route to Esthelm. Realizing her allies have moved on, Ryoka prepares for her own next steps but soon discovers she is being surveilled.
To evade capture, Ryoka sneaks out of her inn room and uses her knowledge of parkour to flee across the rain-slicked rooftops of Celum. Theofore, a [Butler] assigned to track and apprehend her, attempts to give chase. Despite his skills and using a [Water Resistance] spell to mitigate the weather, he is unable to keep pace with Ryoka's unpredictable rooftop running and ultimately fails his assignment.
Displeased with her subordinates' inability to discreetly secure the mysterious Runner, Magnolia arrives personally at Ryoka's inn in Celum. Accompanied by her [Maid], Ressa, Magnolia decides it is time to stop playing games and confront Ryoka directly.
Persua sends Arnel, a Bronze-rank adventurer with Enhanced Strength, to attack Ryoka, but Ryoka defeats him using Muay Thai and a paralysis skill.
An independent city-state located near the High Passes.
An anti-social, barefoot runner from Earth who works as a messenger in Izril.
aka City Runner, Miss Runner +15
A sturdy, friendly Runner who carries massive loads and persistently tries to befriend Ryoka.
aka Garia, Miss Garia +2
Realizing she is being followed, Ryoka sneaks out of her inn and uses parkour to escape across the rooftops of Celum, outrunning Theofore.
Following Theofore's failure to capture the elusive runner, Magnolia arrives at the inn with Ressa to confront Ryoka personally.
An unarmed combat skill that paralyzes the target.
“I know you’re still recuperating, but I’d love to go on a delivery with you sometime. Maybe you, me, and Garia could do a request?”
“Is there, um, anything I can do for you? I know you’re probably still mad, but I’d love to make it up to you. Would you, say, let me buy you a few drinks?”
“D-don’t be nasty. Fals likes you. He’s just not—don’t be nasty. You’re the one who keeps provoking Persua, you know. I know she’s bad, but he’s on your side.”
“Good for him, but I don’t need help.”
“I don’t know who you are, but you’re in my face. Go away, and take Persua and her crew with you.”
“I’m not light. Well, I am in shape, but so are you. What’s wrong with being that strong? Anyways, a [Farm Worker] doesn’t sound like that bad a job—class. Why do you care?”
“Maybe. I’m not sure what I’ll be doing—or if I want to fight. I don’t like violence.”
“Nothing. Anyways, I didn’t get out unscathed. I got torn up on the way in, and I needed serious healing or I would have died.”
“Look, I’m, ah, sorry about earlier. We didn’t part on the best of terms, did we?”
“The Guild—and I—would like to apologize. Clearly, you’re a great Runner, and we’d hate to lose you. We’ll talk to Magnolia, and if you’d like to take on more requests, we’ll be happy to let you take any one you want.”
“Gargoyles, birds with teeth, killer goats, and wolf packs. You’d love it there.”
“He was trying to say sorry, Ryoka. Why’d you chase him off?”
“He’s annoying. I hate charmers, and he’s not even that charming to begin with. Whose side is he on, anyways?”
“She’s like a dog, Ryoka. Even if you hurt her, she’ll keep coming back. And if you do get her mad, she gets vicious.”
“Ryoka, Garia! I’m so glad you’re okay! I almost didn’t spot you, but then I saw Garia—she’s impossible to miss even in this crowd—and I decided to say hi!”
“Find another table. But if I were you, I’d get out.”
“I’d watch your mouth if I were you, Runner. You should show more respect to your seniors and betters.”
“Really? Well, I mean, I’d love to know how to move like that. You were amazing back there! You’re practically as good as an adventurer yourself!”
“People are bastards no matter what world you’re in. Look, forget about it. That class helped you out if you’re that strong without needing any training, right?”
“I’m glad you think so, but—it’s because of my class. And the way I eat, but my class is part of it. That’s why I’m so strong too, but it’s embarrassing.”
“I’ll sleep here for the night. Then I might go and head on down. If you want to learn how to fight properly, visit me there.”
“It’s your choice. But with a punch like that, it would be a shame not to learn how to hit the right way. I’ll teach you next time we meet, how about that?”
“Not a Skill. It’s something you learn, not a class or anything. I learned it when I was a kid. You could learn it too.”
“That’s not very nice. I’d hate to think you were talking behind my back, Ryoka.”
“If this Skill is so good, why doesn’t everyone become a [Farm Worker] for a while before becoming an adventurer? That seems like the smartest move.”
“I mean, I’ve got stuff to do. Look, you said Ceria’s in Esthelm, right? Where’s that?”
“If they’re so interested, they can come over and talk or they can bugger off.”
“But the way you moved! He was an adventurer, and you treated him like some kind of Level 1 [Thug]! How’d you do it?”
“Still, I couldn’t believe it. When you threw the mug in his face I thought we’d have to run for sure. But you took him down!”
“I know. Anyways, it’s both our faults for not double-checking.”
“I think you should be a little more respectful to Miss Persua. An apology would be a good start, and I’d insist on it.”
“Do you always do the heaviest deliveries possible?”
“I just wanted to congratulate you on your delivery. Everyone in the city’s talking about it.”
“Watch yourself. Persua left the Guild with her group this morning. She’ll probably try something. Even if the Guild’s watching her—she’s gone mad.”
“By stepping on anyone who gets out of line? Good method. He didn’t stop Persua and her cronies from attacking me—and he’s not going to do it again by the sounds of it.”
“Never mind. I appreciate the help. But I’ve got bigger fish to fry.”
“Not even with her. I’ll deal with Persua now that I know what she’s like.”
“I’m a [Runner]. And—I know I’m bigger than most girls. I just don’t like talking about my size.”
“Worse than getting an adventurer to beat the crap out of me? I think I’ll take my chances.”
“She said she tried to contact you several times. Didn’t you, um, notice?”
“They’re just interested, Ryoka. There’s no need to look like that.”
“Those spices you carried here. All the way from Wales. They were heavy. I saw the size of your pack. Must have been sixty, eight pounds of weight. And you jogged the entire way here?”
“Ryoka, how are you? I was hoping I could talk to you!”
“I get it. I’m not mad at her. Anyways, I survived. It all worked out.”
“What if I want to stay? I’ve a right to sit in this inn, same as you.”
“Arnel’s an adventurer. He’s fought monsters and slain countless Goblins. You don’t have that oaf of a Minotaur and that freak half-Elf to protect you now, Ryoka.”
“I guess then I’d have to teach you a lesson in manners, Runner.”
“It’s a way to fight unarmed. You learn how to kick, punch, throw, etcetera properly.”
“He wasn’t that great. And martial arts don’t work on monsters. Believe me, I figured that out the hard way.”
“It’s just—it’s just a bit embarrassing, that’s all. You know?”
“At least Persua got taught a lesson, although I missed my chance to break her arm. I’ll have to do it next time I see her.”
“Why would they do that? No one wants to work on a farm. It’s boring and tiring, Ryoka.”
“Near the road that goes to Liscor. It’s down south, about sixty miles away?”
“You’re hungry? I know a good place to eat if you want—”
“The Runner’s Guild requests are a mix between fast deliveries, safe deliveries, and heavy deliveries, right?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll do it to your face. I’m busy, Persua. Go somewhere else.”
“They’re all out of the city. Calruz came by and gathered all the members. Apparently, they’re going to Esthelm to prepare to enter the ruins in Liscor.”
“Come to that, where is Ceria? I haven’t seen her. I’d have assumed she’d be right here along with Gerial and Calruz.”
“She’s annoying, stupid, craven, and she doesn’t know how to run. I still owe her a broken leg. If she thinks she can try something else—”
“…Something like that. And it’s odd. I could have sworn she gave me healing potions too.”
“How was I supposed to know I was supposed to touch those damn fireflies to speak with her? I thought I was being hexed or something.”
“I’m not going to ruin my dinner listening to forced apologies and have him try to find out what I’m delivering. You know that’s what he was here to do.”
“You can clear out. I’m talking to Garia.”
“You lot gonna piss off or do I have to make you leave?”
“This is Arnel. He’s a Bronze-ranked adventurer in Celum.”
“I was just angry. You hit him way more than I did.”
“Eh. I should have knocked him out in the first few moments. He was tougher than I thought. Got me a few times.”
“Really? This Muy—muy tai thing is good? Is it a Skill?”
“Good evening Miss Griffin. May I come in?”
“You were amazing! He barely touched you the entire time!”
“Well, if you distribute the weight properly, it’s not that bad. And sometimes I walk a bit if I get tired.”
“Um, yes. Normally. I mean, I’m not too fast, but I can still earn quite a lot on an overnight delivery.”
“Oh, so you found a healing potion? Ceria was so worried when she realized she’d given you the mana potions.”
“Yeah, sorry, I just called you a bitch.”
“Oh, she’s like a dog. A female one. And you know what? I’m tired of her shit. If she tries anything again, I’ll put her down.”
“What’s wrong? It was a great punch. Your form was terrible, but being strong’s not a problem.”
“Please don’t. If you do, she’ll try something worse.”
“But all the way to Esthelm. That’s a far…”
“She’s really, really sorry, you know.”
“I’ve never seen anyone with it. But yeah, [Enhanced Strength] only comes to warrior classes around Level 30. The fact that I got it so early on means I’m a lot stronger than normal. Dad used to make me help him pull out tree stumps instead of using a horse.”
“Ryoka, my dear? Hello? Is anyone there?”
“Don’t sell yourself short. That last punch was serious business. I hit that guy several times and he didn’t fall down, but you went right through his chainmail shirt. You’re far stronger than both me and that adventurer. That last punch you threw was harder than my kick.”
“You don’t know you’ll get it right away. I just got lucky. Okay, a lot of workers like me get at least [Lesser Strength] quickly, but it depends. Anyways, I worked on my father’s farm until I was eighteen, and I only hit Level 14 even though I worked every day from dawn till dusk. It’s not worth it.”
“So sorry to interrupt your conversation. Were you talking about me by any chance?”
“Look, you idiot. I’m giving you only one warning—”
“Calm down! Everyone calm down!”
“I’m big, Ryoka! I don’t want to be, but [Farm Workers] bulk up, and it’s impossible to lose weight! My dad says it’s fine and that I take after him, but I’d rather my mother. I don’t want to be big. I want to be small and light like you and—”
“Ah. Well—well done on avoiding them. What about the client? I take it you got the request from him in person, right? What was he like? Or is it a she?”
“Well, ah, I’ll be going. It was nice talking to you, Ryoka. And I’ll see you around, Garia.”
“No one’s. He’s trying to keep the Guild together, Ryoka.”
“Who says I need backup?”
“Oh, it’s just martial arts. A bit of Muay Thai and other styles.”
“Oh, how chivalrous. Too bad he couldn’t say that to Persua. And I’m not sleeping with him either way.”
“So, um, how were the High Passes? Did you see a lot of monsters, or were you able to outrun them?”
“Well, can you blame them? I mean, you are the only Runner to survive the High Passes for years—and without a scratch at that! And when you fell out of the sky—”
“Really? Well then, what is it?”
“Not—necessarily. He, uh—why don’t you like him?”
“That’s right. Most deliveries people want fast over long distances, like the ones you take. But sometimes they want to make sure no one reads their message, so that’s important too. But when they need something delivered quickly—well, faster than by cart or wagon and it’s small enough—we get the heavy requests. I take those most of the time. It’s safe. No one wants to steal raw ore or a few bags of sugar. The most expensive stuff I carry are weapons and spices.”
“No. You took him down. With one punch.”
“It’s not a great class. Or a job, really. Even [Farmers] get more respect since they actually know how to till the land and take care of it properly. I just helped out with the plowing, lifting, and so on. But when I used to tell people what class I had, they’d laugh—or they’d figure it out because of how I looked.”
“It was helpful. Even if no one likes the class, we get some useful Skills. [Lesser Strength] is the first Skill most warriors get, but [Farm Workers] get it too. Um, I got that on my second level up. But then there’s [Enhanced Strength], which is what I have, and I’ve heard if you reach really high levels, some people get [Greater Strength].”
“He would if you let him stick around. Fals can’t do anything to Persua except talk to her, but he’s trying to help. He was celebrating when he heard they got demoted to Street Runners! And he told Claudeil when no one was sure if you were going to walk again—he told him that if you didn’t walk, he should leave the region that night.”
“You didn’t have to be so rude.”
“There is something you can do.”
“Really? That would be amusing to watch.”
“Saw a lot of monsters. Nasty ones.”
“Well, you know…I carry a lot of heavy things…”
“Oh, no. That’s the way students at Wistram Academy communicate apparently. Ceria doesn’t know other spells so…”
“Um, I was a [Farm Worker] before I became a [Runner]. I got to Level 14 before I changed classes. That’s why I’m so…so…”
“Come on, we can work this out—”
“Let go, damn you!”
“Don’t remind me.”
“Damn elfish mage bastard.”
“Not even with Persua?”
“Is that a threat?”
“No. Explain it to me.”
“So strong? What’s the problem?”
“Good for them.”
“But for the Skill—”
“…Any interesting ones?”
“Persua, the Guild’ll—”
“You craven whore!”
“And that’s rare?”
“Hey, Claudeil? Shut up.”
“Yeah, pretty much.”
“W-whoa.”
“Hm.”
“Damnit.”
“Confidential.”
“Maybe.”
“You’re fine.”
“Hm. Impressive.”
“Were you?”
“Really?”
“Ryoka!”
“Or what?”
“Or what?”
“Why?”
“Martial arts?”
“…Hello?”
“What?”
“Yep.”
“Hi Persua!”
“Yeah, but…”
“Oh.”
“Ah.”