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580 quotes (580 spoken, 0 mentions)
“I’m new.”
“One or two. They missed.”
“City Runner at your service.”
“No…I don’t know, two dozen? And a big one, a Hob?”
“I’m on a priority delivery! For Magnolia Reinhart!”
“Sorry, I wouldn’t know the exact spot. Just over there. They probably ran off. Listen—I’m a City Runner. I’ve got to go.”
“Nice try.”
“Mm. Your seal?”
“Whew. So that was my first ambush.”
“The—tall grass over there? Only three miles?”
“Here, all in good order.”
“Um…thanks. Bye.”
“…Sorry. I have more deliveries to make.”
“Do you have another request?”
“Mhm.”
“That’s so stupid!”
“I’m just slower with shoes, that’s all.”
“I’ll pass.”
“Fine.”
“Eh. They weren’t that fast.”
“They were lying in the grass. Leapt up and almost stabbed me. I outran them. I don’t know where they went.”
“He was taller than me, so yeah. Had a sword, shield…decent armor.”
“Pass.”
“Why not?”
“Thanks.”
“There were a few Goblins on the road.”
“Sure.”
“What’s the reward for this one?”
“Fine.”
“Yep.”
“I’m not good at running in groups. Or with that much weight.”
“Hmm. It says the price is ‘to be agreed upon.’ But they’re offering twenty gold just to visit…”
“Confirmed?”
“Three seals. I got it to her.”
“Hi.”
“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.”
“I wasn’t interested.”
“Got it.”
“See ya.”
“I run everywhere without shoes.”
“Yep.”
“Fifteen healing potions, five mana potions. All unbroken. Delivery to Horns of Hammerad. Your seal?”
“Uh, it’s common in my home country.”
“Yeah. I was just thinking about the ice cream.”
“Give me the request.”
“Yup. Emergency Run, right?”
“He can try.”
“Fun.”
“Is it called something else around here?”
“I’m a Runner. I’ve got a delivery for the leader of the Horns of Hammerad. That you?”
“They’re still fighting. The Lich is still around. Not sure about the other undead. Looked like they were mostly dead. Undead.”
“Here’s the Seal from the Horns of Hammerad.”
“Delivery.”
“No problem.”
“That’ll take too long. You want an opening? I’ll give you one. I’ve got more deliveries to make.”
“Thanks.”
“Good run.”
“Later.”
“Where to?”
“I’ll do it.”
“It’s urgent.”
“So can I.”
“Can you?”
“Good for you.”
“Oh, really?”
“I’m off.”
“Seal?”
“I can just deliver the package if you have the seal—”
“No. Other runners brought it most of the way.”
“I’ve got to go. More deliveries.”
“I…that’s great. How did you know?”
“I’m sorry, but I really should go. I’m very busy.”
“Mm.”
“Huh. Ice cream.”
“…No?”
“Yeah.”
“Uh, how much did this cost?”
“Aah. I mean…I could talk about one thing.”
“No. But I do know a lot about it. Ice cream, that is.”
“Better. I know how to make it.”
“Mhm.”
“The Horns? They made it?”
“Yeah, and you always deliver to Magnolia together. This isn’t about—getting to hobnob with her. She needs it fast? I’m ready.”
“Toriska’s not even a City Runner yet.”
“There aren’t any other City Runners around?”
“Delivery for Magnolia.”
“I’ve never had any.”
“Oh, just a few things. A pot, uh, something to stir with, and—”
“I’m not big on law enforcement.”
“Mm.”
“Yep.”
“Nope. I’m not—acquainted with half-Elves that much. It’s just a hobby. It’s good for your feet. Sort of.”
“What are those?”
“We need some salt too. A pinch of it. And vanilla.”
“One stalk is fine.”
“Now we need to heat the milk, salt, and sugar together in a pot. Got a big one?”
“…Crap.”
“I might not be able to make this after all. I forgot something.”
“We need to freeze this. Or rather, we need to freeze it slowly while stirring.”
“Is she going to run there?”
“You, uh—like sugar a lot, don’t you?”
“No secret.”
“I just like running barefoot. I hate shoes.”
“All the time.”
“Is…I heard she’s the hero of some kind of war.”
“Thanks.”
“I—”
“Get away.”
“You annoying—”
“Damn it.”
“What the—?”
“Right. No Magnolia deliveries for a while.”
“Doesn’t all this rot?”
“Uh—sugar.”
“How the—”
“I don’t want any ice cream, thanks. The other Runners—I’m not that chummy with them. They can eat cake. And it was just ice cream. I don’t feel right about taking the gold.”
“…No. I’m fine, thanks.”
“Woog.”
“Really? It’s that fascinating to you? Um, Lady Magnolia?”
“Nowhere in the south?”
“You have a lot of homes, then, Lady Reinhart?”
“History.”
“…Yes.”
“Not your fault.”
“Couldn’t help. The bone’s too badly broken.”
“Guess.”
“Get out.”
“I’m fine, Garia.”
“Piss. Off.”
“I don’t need help.”
“She lied.”
“No.”
“Looks like you already are. Glad you made it. What—what do you want? Sit down already; you’re blocking my light.”
“Fine. Go ahead.”
“Got run over by a cart.”
“You.”
“…Ryoka Griffin. City Runner, I guess.”
“Let go, Garia.”
“I bought it in the market. Didn’t cost much.”
“I’ve got it.”
“Not like I have anything else to do.”
“Good for him.”
“Some sell for silver. Either way, it’s fine.”
“Sleep. I’m tired.”
“Just doing my job.”
“You don’t like Runners?”
“You can read?”
“Bone’s shattered. Splinters are in the flesh.”
“Not really.”
“The history of the cities.”
“I already read ‘em.”
“Another way?”
“Tell me.”
“No? What do you mean?”
“Pull the bandages loose there—aah…”
“It’s…”
“What do you think splintered bone means?”
“Not according to the Guild. The [Guildmaster] himself personally told me what a tragic accident this was. Completely my fault.”
“According to the guild, I fell down.”
“What about the law? The…Watch? Having some random vigilante doesn’t sound like the system’s working.”
“I’m just a Runner who knows how to make ice cream. Did you want to make more?”
“I got bored and played tag with a cart.”
“N-no.”
“I know. But—”
“I won’t be bullied into telling you anything.”
“She offered me a deal. I might have to take it. And damn my soul. Why am I responsible? I’m not. It’s not my…”
“A bit.”
“No. I couldn’t get out of the way. Mostly because my feet were webbed down.”
“Someone pushed or tripped me.”
“Y-yeah. But she’s been absolved. Investigated, I mean.”
“I didn’t expect you to remember me.”
“Ah. That. Well—I’m sort of laid up. You came all this way because you were curious?”
“Well. They’ve done their investigation, and that’s that.”
“You…what are you talking about?”
“Why are you…?”
“Thank you.”
“No. There’s no chance. Not unless I find some kind of super-healer. Is there one…?”
“You—you just know someone who has that kind of power? Really? And she’ll just pop over to heal me?”
“I—you’d do that? Why?”
“Wh-what are you talking about?”
“I—I don’t know what—”
“No. Not that.”
“No. I’ll take the healing—but not tell you—tell you everything. I’ll tell you a bit, okay? But nothing more.”
“How about where I came from? And—twenty questions.”
“Sure. Ask me any twenty questions and I’ll answer them. How—how about that?”
“Well—take it or leave it.”
“You’re not going to heal me?”
“Then heal me and don’t threaten me.”
“No.”
“Wh—what are you—”
“Information.”
“Belfast. Beruit. Phnom Penh. All flesh is grass.”
“She doesn’t. It doesn’t matter. She can’t help. Neither can you.”
“Got a few thousand gold coins?”
“I don’t trust anyone. Not with some things. They’ll…they’ll let you down.”
“Thank you. Thank you, thank you. Thank you.”
“…Guess I’m tired.”
“So this operation. What—”
“Is he competent?”
“How so?”
“What—”
“—So. About this mage.”
“So this Necromancer is still alive?”
“I am truly grateful. And I’m sorry for my rudeness earlier. I owe you a debt I can’t repay. But I know the Horns of Hammerad now, and I know what defines you.”
“I get that.”
“Good. Thanks for everything.”
“I’ll remember this.”
“Let me guess. He was kicked out because they found he was practicing necromancy, right?”
“How was the trip?”
“Razorbeaks?”
“We near Liscor?”
“Goblins.”
“Thank you.”
“Honor.”
“My name is Ryoka Griffin. I am in your debt. Whatever I can do—if ever you need me, just ask.”
“I’ve gotta run. Sorry but—”
“I’m going to run back.”
“Um, thanks anyways, though. But if you need to rest—I know you were up all night.”
“Wanna bet?”
“None.”
“I don’t want to get in your way. I can probably find my way back on my own if you want to stay—”
“Thank you. I really mean it.”
“Give me the potion. What’s the hold up? Come on—”
“Infection? What? Healing potions accelerate infections?”
“Do it. I’ll be fine. This—this is payback, isn’t it?”
“I’ll be fine. Just pour it on—fast.”
“I’m fine.”
“Yes—argh! Fuck you! I’ll kill you! You motherf—”
“S-sorry.”
“I can’t feel anything. But it looks good. Go ahead.”
“I’m great. Better than great.”
“No, I’ve just got skill. You should see me do parkour or tricking.”
“It’s a type of running. Or—I guess you could call it a type of martial arts.”
“Oh really?”
“You’re probably right.”
“If I do it your way, I probably would live long enough to retire. And maybe I’d even earn a lot of money, who knows? And if I kiss your ass long enough, maybe you’d even like me. If I were like the rest of you, I’d never take this request.”
“Pack mentality. And Fals thinks he knows everything. Are we dogs or gods?”
“They’re pissed off because I told them what I thought of their little cult?”
“…I know. But I won’t answer to them.”
“In some ways, no. But in some ways, yeah. I’m not doing it either way.”
““I’m going to be gone for at least a day, and the other Runners are probably going to trash my room while I’m gone.””
““I don’t need an escort. I just need supplies. Healing potions—food—I’d buy it myself, but I don’t have any money. I’ll pay you back—double what I’m borrowing.””
““Are you sure? I can buy some—””
““Thanks. Really.””
““I’m taking a delivery request. The reward is for eighty gold coins.””
““No.””
““That’s enough.””
““If Persua’s anything like the other girls I’ve known, that’s one of the first things she’ll do. Good thing I don’t have any shoes so she can’t fill them with thumbtacks.””
““Take care of this. It’s very fragile.””
““No blacksmith or craftsman in the world could fix this. Trust me.””
““It’s not.””
““Sorry, I never got your name. Or maybe I forgot. What is it?””
““I owe you a great debt.””
““Not just a spell.””
““What?””
““Sostrom.””
““Not just a spell. Someday, you’ll have to teach me it. If I can do magic, it would be just to cast that. And now—those assholes aren’t going to know what hit them.””
“Pass.”
“Wh—really?”
“This one. I’ll take the request for the High Passes.”
“I don’t lie. And I hate liars. When you make a promise, you keep it. When you speak, you look someone in the eye and mean every word. When I say I’ll do something, I mean it. If you want to do deliveries to Magnolia, take the damn requests. I don’t care about your politics.”
“Something like that. Anyways, I just got back. Any interesting running requests around?”
“You done?”
“Hey. Got a request for me?”
“I couldn’t care less whether or not you lot like me. All I’m here to do is deliver stuff and get paid. I don’t want Magnolia’s stupid requests. If you lot want to earn favor with her, deal with it and leave me out of it. You should want me to not work with her. You think I’m trying to be her special, personal Runner?”
“Nevermind that. I’ll just take this one to Remendia and—”
“I don’t want a delivery for Magnolia Reinhart. Anything else for me not from her? No? Okay, I guess it’s regular deliveries, then.”
“Um—contracts. Any big ones for City Runners? Or me specifically?”
“I heard it on the way here. What, is it a problem? Us runners have to stick together, so if Persua needs some guidance—I’m sure I can give her tips.”
“I may have. Persua’s a Street Runner now? Oh, that’s terrible. What happened? Did she get her just desserts? Or did someone realize she’s nowhere near a City Runner’s level?”
“It’s a long story. I had help from some adventurers, not the Healer of Tenbault. They fixed me up.”
“No, Liscor.”
“Oh really? Then stop taking all the delivery requests.”
“Why?”
“So? Just do the deliveries yourself. She’ll take them if I don’t deliver anything.”
“Hot peppers? Cabbages? She could get that in any market.”
“So until she gets one, I won’t get any other jobs, is that it? And I’m supposed to ask her to let other Runners take her requests, right?”
“Oh?”
“Right. And you all get paid so everyone’s happy?”
“So until then, you’re all going to keep taking the requests.”
“Are you going to try and stop me too? Hi, Persua. I’d love for you to try.”
“Too bad I’m not a coward.”
“No. Put me down for…”
“I don’t like being pressured. By anyone.”
“You want to talk about Runners and preach about playing nice and sticking together? Fine. But leave me out of your little party.”
“But if you get in my way, I’ll kick your face in.”
“Why not? There’s nothing else for me to do.”
“Unless you want to do it? I’ll follow you out to make sure you get it done.”
“That’s what I thought. I’m doing the request.”
“I’ll survive. And I’ll complete the request even if it’s dangerous—not just for money. Apparently, that’s all Runners think about.”
“Yeah, I’m sure. Forget about it. I’ll try another Guild.”
“And you’re telling me that there are no requests? Except of course for Magnolia.”
“Thanks…uh, Stenei, right?”
““It’s broken. Just treat it carefully—don’t put anything heavy on it and don’t drop it.””
““I’ll get my stuff.””
“I’m a barefoot runner. If I cared about what people thought, I wouldn’t run at all. Runners run. We deliver stuff. It’s a job, not a calling.”
“What’re you talking about? This one is open. I’m free. Put me down.”
“Nice speech. But you’re full of shit.”
““Here.””
“You think I’m lying?”
““A device. I’ll explain it if I get back.””
“It’s been four days.”
“So we work together and drag everyone down who doesn’t agree with us, is that it?”
“Hey. I’m back.”
“America.”
“Nice to know you care. I guess I should just see myself out then?”
“Big talk for someone who doesn’t know where America is. Or Oakland or California.”
“Who is this guy?”
“I don’t like being controlled. And I think—yeah, I think that classes and levels are a way for the world or some system to control people. I want no part of it. And—it feels like cheating.”
“What—what is this?”
“…Yes.”
“Yes.”
“I took the request for the money, but also because I wanted to challenge myself. There are no other requests in the Runner’s Guild I could have taken, either. I am being blocked from other deliveries by fellow Runners, and this is the only request I could take.”
“I was born in Oakland, California.”
“Yeah, more than other people.”
“Less than a hundred miles. Not too far, yeah.”
“Would I really be that much of an idiot that I’d lie about knowing what a rhetorical question is?”
“Ryoka Griffin—Ryoka doesn’t have a permanent place of residence. She moves around a lot, and she doesn’t stay in one city or inn for very long if she can help it.”
“I stopped myself from leveling. You can’t see my class because I don’t have one.”
“Celum. But hey, I can run back. The potion you gave me—”
“I barely survived getting here. I probably won’t a second time. And if finding this [Necromancer] is as dangerous as it sounds—”
“Ryoka Griffin.”
“For the reward. Eighty gold pieces.”
“Thanks for the encouragement.”
“Crystal.”
“Was the mana poisoning bad? If so—thank you, I guess.”
“Why can’t you just send the package or whatever it is with magic or something? Is it too heavy to transport? Because if it is—”
“…No. I can’t outrun spells either, and I’ve seen undead mages. I won’t survive more than a few seconds if I run into a Lich by myself.”
“Yeah, but they have arrows. How am I supposed to dodge those?”
“Ah. If this guy—Az’kerash is surrounded by the dead, how am I supposed to get to him without being killed?”
“I know of a Ryoka Griffin, yes.”
“I don’t pay attention to world news. You probably know more about what’s going on than I do.”
“…Yes.”
“Dunno.”
“I know what a rhetorical question is.”
“Yes.”
“Well, I think I’m doing pretty good on my own. I’m in good shape, I’m smart enough, and I’m faster than Runners with Skills—”
“Maybe.”
“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?”
“The Runner’s Guild requests are a mix between fast deliveries, safe deliveries, and heavy deliveries, right?”
“Not even with her. I’ll deal with Persua now that I know what she’s like.”
“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’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.”
“I know. Anyways, it’s both our faults for not double-checking.”
“W-whoa.”
“Do you always do the heaviest deliveries possible?”
“Don’t remind me.”
“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.”
“…Something like that. And it’s odd. I could have sworn she gave me healing potions too.”
“Hm.”
“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 get it. I’m not mad at her. Anyways, I survived. It all worked out.”
“Damnit.”
“Were you?”
“Yep.”
“Gargoyles, birds with teeth, killer goats, and wolf packs. You’d love it there.”
“There is something you can do.”
“He’s annoying. I hate charmers, and he’s not even that charming to begin with. Whose side is he on, anyways?”
“Confidential.”
“Good for him, but I don’t need help.”
“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.”
“Yeah, sorry, I just called you a bitch.”
“Find another table. But if I were you, I’d get out.”
“Yeah, pretty much.”
“You lot gonna piss off or do I have to make you leave?”
“Or what?”
“Really? That would be amusing to watch.”
“Who says I need backup?”
“Or what?”
“Eh. I should have knocked him out in the first few moments. He was tougher than I thought. Got me a few times.”
“Oh, it’s just martial arts. A bit of Muay Thai and other styles.”
“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.”
“No. You took him down. With one punch.”
“What’s wrong? It was a great punch. Your form was terrible, but being strong’s not a problem.”
“No. Explain it to me.”
“You’re fine.”
“So strong? What’s the problem?”
“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?”
“And that’s rare?”
“Why?”
“Worse than getting an adventurer to beat the crap out of me? I think I’ll take my chances.”
“Never mind. I appreciate the help. But I’ve got bigger fish to fry.”
“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?”
“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.”
“You can clear out. I’m talking to Garia.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Oh, how chivalrous. Too bad he couldn’t say that to Persua. And I’m not sleeping with him either way.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll do it to your face. I’m busy, Persua. Go somewhere else.”
“I don’t know who you are, but you’re in my face. Go away, and take Persua and her crew with you.”
“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.”
“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?”
“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.”
“Good for them.”
“Saw a lot of monsters. Nasty ones.”
“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.”
“But for the Skill—”
“If they’re so interested, they can come over and talk or they can bugger off.”
“Oh.”
“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—”
“Hm. Impressive.”
“Ah.”
“Damn elfish mage bastard.”
““Perish the thought.””
““How long have you been staying here?””
““‘Not all Humans?’ Does that mean that other races have greater or lesser potential to become mages? How about your kind?””
““I’m okay. I am. I saw it.””
““I saw it.””
““[Light].””
““Wow.””
““Will it hurt?””
““They run the Mage’s Guilds, right?””
““It’s just something that really interests me. And defending myself is part of it, but I just want to learn about magic. It was not…widely practiced where I come from.””
“Who’s he?”
“Big. Stone. They spit rocks and try to eat you.”
“Aren’t your…people vegetarian?”
“I barely got out alive. It was sheer luck that I got away.”
“I’d like to talk some more about magic and look around the Adventurer’s Guild if that’s okay.”
“It was a request. I got it done—half-done. I just need to finish my delivery, and it’ll be over.”
“Confidential.”
“Is—is leveling necessary to learn magic? Couldn’t I learn magic without gaining a…a class?”
“No. And I don’t believe in that either. I just wanted to know if I could study by myself or if I had to—to wait until I leveled to learn more spells.”
“Oh. Levels.”
“The what?”
“Oh, of course. Sorry.”
“Yeah. I guess. They had sharp teeth. And they scream.”
“Who’s the aunt? Do I know her?”
“And I suppose you are?”
“Sorry, what?”
“They were pretty bad. They ate up the Goblins that ambushed me and then got torn to shreds by the Gargoyles and goats.”
“Why do you want to know?”
“No one special.”
“Why, I’d love to have a sparring match. Tell me, have you ever heard the word MMA?”
“Who’d you hear that from?”
“Nothing much. See that person? The one in the silver armor? She challenged me to a fight.”
“Size isn’t everything.”
“Besides, I wanted to challenge him from the start. See how far I can go.”
“I guess I’ve just got to dodge, then.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. She just—reminds me of people I don’t like. And she looks too nice for an adventurer. I don’t like nice people. They’re always hiding something. It’s always a mask, right? Like Fals.”
“She wants to test me, too. She’s working for Magnolia.”
“Not necessarily.”
“Guy named Fals. He says the same things as you do. Runners have to band together in order to survive. Sacrifice the good of the individual for the group. ‘Work together or die.’”
“I’m dead serious. Fight me. Unless you’re afraid you’ll lose?”
“Really. That’s what you think?”
“You don’t think I can defend myself? You saw me fight.”
“I’m not done. Let Calruz go. I’ll take him on.”
“I don’t need an axe to do my job. And I don’t need you to tell me what to do. Back off. I’ll take on Calruz without you lot getting in the way.”
“I survived the High Passes without a single level. I did it because I wasn’t afraid and needed half a dozen people in armor to hold my hand. And if you lot had any guts, you wouldn’t sit around whining about how a bunch of unexplored ruins are too dangerous.”
“I didn’t think you were a coward, Calruz.”
“I’m not a team player.”
“Seems accurate to me.”
“You sound like a bunch of Runners when you say it like that.”
“Why? Any Runner can deliver healing potions.”
“I don’t use weapons. And I’m not interested.”
“It helps.”
“Mm?”
“Oops.”
“Yeah. And I got to hit her.”
“It would have been better if I’d kept her down.”
“Those were throws. Special moves to take down an opponent. Haven’t you ever seen someone tossing an opponent to the ground before?”
“I’m going to get serious now.”
“Where I come from, yeah.”
“Yeah. I practice Mixed Martial Arts. Muay Thai.”
“It’s fine. You’re not wearing a helmet anyways.”
“Trust me.”
“It won’t be me that gets hurt.”
“You can leave your armor on. The gauntlets too.”
“Shame. One more advantage for me, then.”
“You don’t stretch before a fight?”
“Warming up.”
“Hrm.”
“I guess. Maybe. Shame we won’t ever find out the truth. Alright, I’m ready.”
“I get it. She’s a great person. A popular girl. Someone everyone likes.”
“Yup.”
“I—just want to push her face in a bit, don’t you? She’s a bit too beautiful and perfect.”
“Well, a sparring match. I was the one who wanted to turn it into a fight.”
“So I’m told.”
“Hey.”
“Really? Then let’s make it a serious fight.”
“What about Calruz, then?”
“I’m taking her seriously, believe me. But I want to see what fighting someone in armor is like. And besides…you’ve never seen me fight, have you?”
“With armor though, right? Not exactly barehanded. You try punching out someone in plate armor. I bet those [Bandits] could have taken her on without the armor. I can—even if she’s got it on.”
“You heard what he said about females.”
“I don’t think so. Not yet, anyways. She challenged me to a ‘friendly’ match. I accepted. Why?”
“She looks way too attractive, that’s all.”
“Look, I’m going to do it. You want to let me focus or go away and shut up?”
“I don’t need Skills to fight.”
“Right. Your turn. Bring it on.”
“No. Let’s keep going.”
“I survived.”
“I can still fight.”
“Great.”
“What is it?”
“Oh really? Let’s see what you say in a few minutes.”
“I don’t need levels to fight.”
“It’s not about levels. Your stupid little system doesn’t interest me. I don’t believe in needing levels or classes. It’s all stupid, and it makes you cowards. Silver-rank? Gold-rank? You just use those words because you don’t have the guts to fight.”
“Really? Arrogance? All I see are people too afraid to do anything until they level up. People who have to hide in a group to cover how pitiful they are.”
“I’ll take you on one by one or all at once. Come on. Fight me.”
“I’ll take you on.”
“Bring it.”
“Let’s all die. Good riddance. You want me, Persua? Come and get me!”
“Why does someone climb a mountain? I like challenges.”
“I…I could let him die. He’d let me die. But I want to be better. To my friends. To—everyone. I don’t know how. I’m only good at running. I want to do something good.”
“Your sword—”
“I don’t know.”
“I should stay and thank you—”
“Yes.”
“I'll live. I've survived worse.”
“I don't want handouts. I don't want to owe a favor.”
“Ow. What the—”
“Then—why are you so interested in me? Can't you leave me alone?”
“Who—are you? Just a [Merchant]?”
“I'll survive. I've run the High Passes already.”
“It's no one's business. Just let me do what I want. Even if I die—why do you care?”
“Maybe I don't want any help!”
“Let go of me. Now.”
“Huh?”
“Let go of—”
“I think I might just do that.”
“I'm a piece of shit. You—you really wouldn't get it. I can't fit in and be friendly. I don't enjoy it. I can't be a good person back to Ga—to the H—to people. So it's better if they don't try. I don't belong. So—can't you just leave me be? Just let me run and not bother me?”
“No one's waiting for me. Not my f—no family, and no friends. Okay? So leave me alone. I'll go run in, level up—isn't that how you're supposed to do it?”
“I'm—Ryoka. From around Celum.”
“You're old.”
“…How old are you?”
“What now?”
“So? Are you going to say that I should go back and try? That I—I should keep making the attempt? That I owe it to my friends not to let them down?”
“I heard you. Thanks for the warning. Don't go in, right?”
“Thanks. I'll think about what you said. And I'll stay away from the Bloodfields.”
“Persua.”
“You want me, Persua? Let’s end this once and for all!”
“I understand. You don't want me to go in there?”
“Goodbye, Persua. I don’t think either of us are getting out of this.”
“I run there. But I’m working. So…”
“I know.”
“The Lich. The High Passes. I didn't care if I died.”
“Huh? What? What?”
“None of your business! Get lost!”
“We’re quits, Persua. If you make it out, that is. I never had the guts to kill you. I’m…sorry it went down this way. I’m going back. I have to try again.”
“The Bloodfields? I know it’s the Bloodfields. It’s…”
“It’s dangerous. A…‘death zone’?”
“Ryoka Griffin. City Runner around the Celum region. On delivery. I’m not taking requests or mail.”
“You wouldn't know anything about my problems! I'm tired of people coming into my life and offering advice or trying—trying to 'help'. I'm not like the rest of you, do you understand? I just want to be left alone. You won't enjoy my company, and I won't repay generosity. Got it?”
“Stop it!”
“Oh hell. I’m…”
“I refuse.”
“No. No! I will not—I will not make the same mistake again. I’m going back—and nothing will stop me.”
“Let me try.”
“I have to go back. I have to say—I’m sorry.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I just—I ran.”
“Really? Then good luck.”
“I'd like that.”
“I've got something to do. I'm sorry.”
“I have a delivery. My destination is around the Bloodfields. Going through seemed easy.”
“W-what the fuck is going on?”
“I have to go.”
“I have to go. I—”