Pagewhispering...
Pagewhispering...
581 quotes (581 spoken, 0 mentions)
“Nice try.”
“Whew. So that was my first ambush.”
“Or Persua, that sallow bitch, tipped them off. Nah, nevermind. Even she doesn’t talk to Goblins.”
“City Runner at your service.”
“One or two. They missed.”
“The—tall grass over there? Only three miles?”
“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.”
“No…I don’t know, two dozen? And a big one, a Hob?”
“Mm. Your seal?”
“I’m new.”
“Here, all in good order.”
“Um…thanks. Bye.”
“…Sorry. I have more deliveries to make.”
“Do you have another request?”
“Goblins. A few miles outside the city. A group jumped me.”
“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.”
“Yep.”
“Thanks.”
“Three seals. I got it to her.”
“He was taller than me, so yeah. Had a sword, shield…decent armor.”
“Eh. They weren’t that fast.”
“I’m just slower with shoes, that’s all.”
“I run everywhere without shoes.”
“They were lying in the grass. Leapt up and almost stabbed me. I outran them. I don’t know where they went.”
“Mhm.”
“I wasn’t interested.”
“See ya.”
“That’s so stupid!”
“Got it.”
“Hmm. It says the price is ‘to be agreed upon.’ But they’re offering twenty gold just to visit…”
“Why not?”
“Confirmed?”
“Fine.”
“Fine.”
“I’ll pass.”
“I’m not good at running in groups. Or with that much weight.”
“What’s the reward for this one?”
“Sure.”
“There were a few Goblins on the road.”
“Pass.”
“Thanks.”
“Yep.”
“That’ll take too long. You want an opening? I’ll give you one. I’ve got more deliveries to make.”
“Fifteen healing potions, five mana potions. All unbroken. Delivery to Horns of Hammerad. Your seal?”
“I’m a Runner. I’ve got a delivery for the leader of the Horns of Hammerad. That you?”
“Delivery.”
“No problem.”
“They’re still fighting. The Lich is still around. Not sure about the other undead. Looked like they were mostly dead. Undead.”
“Later.”
“I’ll do it.”
“Where to?”
“There aren’t any other City Runners around?”
“Good run.”
“Here’s the Seal from the Horns of Hammerad.”
“Can you?”
“So can I.”
“It’s urgent.”
“Yeah, and you always deliver to Magnolia together. This isn’t about—getting to hobnob with her. She needs it fast? I’m ready.”
“Good for you.”
“I can just deliver the package if you have the seal—”
“No. Other runners brought it most of the way.”
“Oh, really?”
“I’m off.”
“Seal?”
“Delivery for Magnolia.”
“I’ve got to go. More deliveries.”
“I’m sorry, but I really should go. I’m very busy.”
“Mm.”
“I…that’s great. How did you know?”
“Huh. Ice cream.”
“The Horns? They made it?”
“…No?”
“Yeah.”
“Mhm.”
“Aah. I mean…I could talk about one thing.”
“Better. I know how to make it.”
“No. But I do know a lot about it. Ice cream, that is.”
“Uh, it’s common in my home country.”
“Uh, how much did this cost?”
“Fun.”
“Is it called something else around here?”
“Toriska’s not even a City Runner yet.”
“He can try.”
“Yup. Emergency Run, right?”
“Give me the request.”
“Yeah. I was just thinking about the ice cream.”
“You have a lot of homes, then, Lady Reinhart?”
“Oh, just a few things. A pot, uh, something to stir with, and—”
“Nowhere in the south?”
“What are those?”
“Is she going to run there?”
“We need to freeze this. Or rather, we need to freeze it slowly while stirring.”
“…Crap.”
“I might not be able to make this after all. I forgot something.”
“One stalk is fine.”
“We need some salt too. A pinch of it. And vanilla.”
“Now we need to heat the milk, salt, and sugar together in a pot. Got a big one?”
“You, uh—like sugar a lot, don’t you?”
“I’ve never had any.”
“Really? It’s that fascinating to you? Um, Lady Magnolia?”
“All the time.”
“I just like running barefoot. I hate shoes.”
“No secret.”
“Is…I heard she’s the hero of some kind of war.”
“Thanks.”
“Get away.”
“I—”
“Damn it.”
“You annoying—”
“What the—?”
“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.”
“Woog.”
“I’m not big on law enforcement.”
“Mm.”
“Nope. I’m not—acquainted with half-Elves that much. It’s just a hobby. It’s good for your feet. Sort of.”
“…No. I’m fine, thanks.”
“Yep.”
“Right. No Magnolia deliveries for a while.”
“I’m fine, Garia.”
“Guess.”
“Not your fault.”
“Couldn’t help. The bone’s too badly broken.”
“…Yes.”
“History.”
“Not really.”
“Good for him.”
“I bought it in the market. Didn’t cost much.”
“The history of the cities.”
“You can read?”
“I already read ‘em.”
“Not like I have anything else to do.”
“You.”
“Some sell for silver. Either way, it’s fine.”
“Let go, Garia.”
“Fine. Go ahead.”
“Looks like you already are. Glad you made it. What—what do you want? Sit down already; you’re blocking my light.”
“Just doing my job.”
“Got run over by a cart.”
“She lied.”
“You don’t like Runners?”
“Bone’s shattered. Splinters are in the flesh.”
“Sleep. I’m tired.”
“I’ve got it.”
“No.”
“I don’t need help.”
“Piss. Off.”
“Get out.”
“…Ryoka Griffin. City Runner, I guess.”
“I got bored and played tag with a cart.”
“Not according to the Guild. The [Guildmaster] himself personally told me what a tragic accident this was. Completely my fault.”
“Pull the bandages loose there—aah…”
“It’s…”
“What do you think splintered bone means?”
“A bit.”
“No. I couldn’t get out of the way. Mostly because my feet were webbed down.”
“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?”
“Y-yeah. But she’s been absolved. Investigated, I mean.”
“Someone pushed or tripped me.”
“Well. They’ve done their investigation, and that’s that.”
“You…what are you talking about?”
“Thank you.”
“Why are you…?”
“What about the law? The…Watch? Having some random vigilante doesn’t sound like the system’s working.”
“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?”
“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?”
“Wh-what are you talking about?”
“No. Not that.”
“Well—take it or leave it.”
“I—I don’t know what—”
“You’re not going to heal me?”
“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…”
“No.”
“Tell me.”
“Information.”
“Another way?”
“Then heal me and don’t threaten me.”
“She doesn’t. It doesn’t matter. She can’t help. Neither can you.”
“Belfast. Beruit. Phnom Penh. All flesh is grass.”
“Got a few thousand gold coins?”
“Wh—what are you—”
“I don’t trust anyone. Not with some things. They’ll…they’ll let you down.”
“According to the guild, I fell down.”
“I’m just a Runner who knows how to make ice cream. Did you want to make more?”
“N-no.”
“No? What do you mean?”
“I won’t be bullied into telling you anything.”
“I know. But—”
“So this Necromancer is still alive?”
“I get that.”
“Good. Thanks for everything.”
“—So. About this mage.”
“I’ll remember this.”
“Let me guess. He was kicked out because they found he was practicing necromancy, right?”
“How was the trip?”
“Razorbeaks?”
“Goblins.”
“We near Liscor?”
“Thank you.”
“My name is Ryoka Griffin. I am in your debt. Whatever I can do—if ever you need me, just ask.”
“Honor.”
“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.”
“Thank you. Thank you, thank you. Thank you.”
“What—”
“How so?”
“So this operation. What—”
“Is he competent?”
“…Guess I’m tired.”
“Give me the potion. What’s the hold up? Come on—”
“Infection? What? Healing potions accelerate infections?”
“I’ll be fine. Just pour it on—fast.”
“S-sorry.”
“No, I’ve just got skill. You should see me do parkour or tricking.”
“I’m great. Better than great.”
“Do it. I’ll be fine. This—this is payback, isn’t it?”
“I’m fine.”
“I can’t feel anything. But it looks good. Go ahead.”
“Yes—argh! Fuck you! I’ll kill you! You motherf—”
“It’s a type of running. Or—I guess you could call it a type of martial arts.”
“None.”
“I’m going to run back.”
“Wanna bet?”
“Thank you. I really mean it.”
“I don’t want to get in your way. I can probably find my way back on my own if you want to stay—”
“Um, thanks anyways, though. But if you need to rest—I know you were up all night.”
“I’ve gotta run. Sorry but—”
“You done?”
“It’s a long story. I had help from some adventurers, not the Healer of Tenbault. They fixed me up.”
“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?”
“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.”
“Something like that. Anyways, I just got back. Any interesting running requests around?”
“Hey. Got a request for me?”
“No, Liscor.”
“Garia, put me down—Garia!”
“Um—contracts. Any big ones for City Runners? Or me specifically?”
“Wh—really?”
“Pass.”
“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.”
“Oh really? Then stop taking all the delivery requests.”
“Yeah, I’m sure. Forget about it. I’ll try another Guild.”
“No. Put me down for…”
“Thanks…uh, Stenei, right?”
“And you’re telling me that there are no requests? Except of course for Magnolia.”
“So? Just do the deliveries yourself. She’ll take them if I don’t deliver anything.”
“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?”
“Hot peppers? Cabbages? She could get that in any market.”
“Oh?”
“Why?”
“Right. And you all get paid so everyone’s happy?”
“So until then, you’re all going to keep taking the requests.”
“Too bad I’m not a coward.”
“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.”
“You want to talk about Runners and preach about playing nice and sticking together? Fine. But leave me out of your little party.”
“I don’t like being pressured. By anyone.”
“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.”
“But if you get in my way, I’ll kick your face in.”
“Oh really?”
“Why not? There’s nothing else for me to do.”
“You’re probably right.”
“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.”
“Are you going to try and stop me too? Hi, Persua. I’d love for you to try.”
“This one. I’ll take the request for the High Passes.”
“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.”
“They’re pissed off because I told them what I thought of their little cult?”
““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.””
“In some ways, no. But in some ways, yeah. I’m not doing it either way.”
“Pack mentality. And Fals thinks he knows everything. Are we dogs or gods?”
““That’s enough.””
“…I know. But I won’t answer to them.”
““Thanks. Really.””
““Now. Fals and the other Runners will probably try to stop me if I don’t. I know Persua will.””
““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—””
““I’m taking a delivery request. The reward is for eighty gold coins.””
““No.””
““Here.””
““What?””
““Take care of this. It’s very fragile.””
““No blacksmith or craftsman in the world could fix this. Trust me.””
““It’s not.””
““I owe you a great debt.””
““Not just a spell.””
““Sostrom.””
““Sorry, I never got your name. Or maybe I forgot. What is it?””
“Nevermind that. I’ll just take this one to Remendia and—”
“Nice speech. But you’re full of shit.”
“You think I’m lying?”
“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?”
““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.””
““A device. I’ll explain it if I get back.””
“It’s been four days.”
“Hey. I’m back.”
“So we work together and drag everyone down who doesn’t agree with us, is that it?”
“What’re you talking about? This one is open. I’m free. Put me down.”
“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.”
““It’s broken. Just treat it carefully—don’t put anything heavy on it and don’t drop it.””
““I’ll get my stuff.””
““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.””
“Shit.”
“Bring it.”
“What?”
“Delivery.”
“A goat?”
“I stopped myself from leveling. You can’t see my class because I don’t have one.”
“I was born in Oakland, California.”
“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.”
“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.”
“For the reward. Eighty gold pieces.”
“America.”
“Yeah, more than other people.”
“Big talk for someone who doesn’t know where America is. Or Oakland or California.”
“I know what a rhetorical question is.”
“Dunno.”
“Would I really be that much of an idiot that I’d lie about knowing what a rhetorical question is?”
“Yes.”
“…Yes.”
“I know of a Ryoka Griffin, yes.”
“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 don’t pay attention to world news. You probably know more about what’s going on than I do.”
“Yeah, but they have arrows. How am I supposed to dodge those?”
“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—”
“Ah. If this guy—Az’kerash is surrounded by the dead, how am I supposed to get to him without being killed?”
“…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.”
“I barely survived getting here. I probably won’t a second time. And if finding this [Necromancer] is as dangerous as it sounds—”
“Celum. But hey, I can run back. The potion you gave me—”
“Ryoka Griffin.”
“Thanks for the encouragement.”
“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—”
“…Yes.”
“What—what is this?”
“Less than a hundred miles. Not too far, yeah.”
“Who is this guy?”
“Nice to know you care. I guess I should just see myself out then?”
“I know. Anyways, it’s both our faults for not double-checking.”
“W-whoa.”
“Do you always do the heaviest deliveries possible?”
“Hm.”
“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?”
“Don’t remind me.”
“…Something like that. And it’s odd. I could have sworn she gave me healing potions too.”
“Damn elfish mage bastard.”
“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.”
“Damnit.”
“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.”
“Were you?”
“Gargoyles, birds with teeth, killer goats, and wolf packs. You’d love it there.”
“Confidential.”
“Yep.”
“Maybe.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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?”
“Yeah, sorry, I just called you a bitch.”
“Find another table. But if I were you, I’d get out.”
“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.”
“You lot gonna piss off or do I have to make you leave?”
“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.”
“Or what?”
“Not even with her. I’ll deal with Persua now that I know what she’s like.”
“Or what?”
“Yeah, pretty much.”
“Who says I need backup?”
“Really? That would be amusing to watch.”
“Oh, it’s just martial arts. A bit of Muay Thai and other styles.”
“What’s wrong? It was a great punch. Your form was terrible, but being strong’s not a problem.”
“Eh. I should have knocked him out in the first few moments. He was tougher than I thought. Got me a few times.”
“It’s a way to fight unarmed. You learn how to kick, punch, throw, etcetera properly.”
“No. You took him down. With one punch.”
“He wasn’t that great. And martial arts don’t work on monsters. Believe me, I figured that out the hard way.”
“You’re fine.”
“No. Explain it to me.”
“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?”
“And that’s rare?”
“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?”
“So strong? What’s the problem?”
“Why?”
“Worse than getting an adventurer to beat the crap out of me? I think I’ll take my chances.”
“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’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.”
“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?”
“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.”
“The Runner’s Guild requests are a mix between fast deliveries, safe deliveries, and heavy deliveries, right?”
“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.”
“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.”
“Good for them.”
“I mean, I’ve got stuff to do. Look, you said Ceria’s in Esthelm, right? Where’s that?”
“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.”
“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.”
“Ah.”
““How long have you been staying here?””
““Perish the thought.””
““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.””
““They run the Mage’s Guilds, right?””
““‘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.””
““Wow.””
““I saw it.””
““[Light].””
““Will it hurt?””
“Oh. Levels.”
“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.”
“They were pretty bad. They ate up the Goblins that ambushed me and then got torn to shreds by the Gargoyles and goats.”
“The what?”
“I’d like to talk some more about magic and look around the Adventurer’s Guild if that’s okay.”
“Oh, of course. Sorry.”
“Yeah. I guess. They had sharp teeth. And they scream.”
“Sorry, what?”
“Who’s he?”
“It was a request. I got it done—half-done. I just need to finish my delivery, and it’ll be over.”
“Who’d you hear that from?”
“Why do you want to know?”
“I barely got out alive. It was sheer luck that I got away.”
“Who’s the aunt? Do I know her?”
“Confidential.”
“Big. Stone. They spit rocks and try to eat you.”
“And I suppose you are?”
“Aren’t your…people vegetarian?”
“I ran into a bunch of Goblins, some wolves, some goats, and then some gargoyles. I just kept running, and then I got to my destination.”
“No one special.”
“Why, I’d love to have a sparring match. Tell me, have you ever heard the word MMA?”
“Hey.”
“Well, a sparring match. I was the one who wanted to turn it into a fight.”
“I—just want to push her face in a bit, don’t you? She’s a bit too beautiful and perfect.”
“So I’m told.”
“I get it. She’s a great person. A popular girl. Someone everyone likes.”
“I guess. Maybe. Shame we won’t ever find out the truth. Alright, I’m ready.”
“You don’t stretch before a fight?”
“You can leave your armor on. The gauntlets too.”
“Yup.”
“Warming up.”
“She wants to test me, too. She’s working for Magnolia.”
“Hrm.”
“Shame. One more advantage for me, 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.”
“It won’t be me that gets hurt.”
“Where I come from, yeah.”
“Yeah. I practice Mixed Martial Arts. Muay Thai.”
“Trust me.”
“It would have been better if I’d kept her down.”
“I’m going to get serious now.”
“Those were throws. Special moves to take down an opponent. Haven’t you ever seen someone tossing an opponent to the ground before?”
“It’s fine. You’re not wearing a helmet anyways.”
“Oops.”
“What about Calruz, then?”
“Yeah. And I got to hit her.”
“What’s the level difference between a Silver-ranked adventurer and a Gold-rank?”
“It helps.”
“Seems accurate to me.”
“Why? Any Runner can deliver healing potions.”
“I don’t use weapons. And I’m not interested.”
“Mm?”
“You sound like a bunch of Runners when you say it like that.”
“I’m not a team player.”
“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.’”
“You don’t think I can defend myself? You saw me fight.”
“Really. That’s what you think?”
“I’m dead serious. Fight me. Unless you’re afraid you’ll lose?”
“Great.”
“Size isn’t everything.”
“Oh really? Let’s see what you say in a few minutes.”
“Besides, I wanted to challenge him from the start. See how far I can go.”
“What is it?”
“Not necessarily.”
“I guess I’ve just got to dodge, then.”
“I’m not done. Let Calruz go. I’ll take him on.”
“I survived.”
“No. Let’s keep going.”
“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 can still fight.”
“I don’t need levels to fight.”
“Not one.”
“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.”
“Calruz! Fight me! Come back here, you coward! Are you afraid?”
“Bring it.”
“I didn’t think you were a coward, Calruz.”
“I’ll take you on.”
“I’ll take you on one by one or all at once. Come on. Fight me.”
“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? Then let’s make it a serious fight.”
“Nothing much. See that person? The one in the silver armor? She challenged me to a fight.”
“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.”
“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.”
“None of your business! Get lost!”
“I’ve got business here. Or past here. Thanks for the warning. See ya.”
“The Bloodfields? I know it’s the Bloodfields. It’s…”
“I know.”
“I understand. You don't want me to go in there?”
“I run there. But I’m working. So…”
“Huh?”
“Huh? What? What?”
“It’s dangerous. A…‘death zone’?”
“Ryoka Griffin. City Runner around the Celum region. On delivery. I’m not taking requests or mail.”
“I think I might just do that.”
“Let go of—”
“I heard you. Thanks for the warning. Don't go in, right?”
“What now?”
“Maybe I don't want any help!”
“Let go of me. Now.”
“I have a delivery. My destination is around the Bloodfields. Going through seemed easy.”
“I'm—Ryoka. From around Celum.”
“It's no one's business. Just let me do what I want. Even if I die—why do you care?”
“I'll survive. I've run the High Passes already.”
“…How old are you?”
“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 don't want handouts. I don't want to owe a favor.”
“Then—why are you so interested in me? Can't you leave me alone?”
“Who—are you? Just a [Merchant]?”
“Why does someone climb a mountain? I like challenges.”
“You're old.”
“I'll live. I've survived worse.”
“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?”
“I have to go.”
“I have to go. I—”
“I'd like that.”
“Persua.”
“I've got something to do. I'm sorry.”
“W-what the fuck is going on?”
“The Lich. The High Passes. I didn't care if I died.”
“You want me, Persua? Let’s end this once and for all!”
“Then let’s die here. Come on, Persua!”
“Really? Then good luck.”
“Goodbye, Persua. I don’t think either of us are getting out of this.”
“I want to go home. I want…to go home. I don’t want this.”
“Persua…? Then Claudeil and Toriska didn’t…”
“I’m sorry.”
“I have to go back. I have to say—I’m sorry.”
“I just—I ran.”
“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.”
“Yes.”
“I should stay and thank you—”
“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…”
“Thanks. I'll think about what you said. And I'll stay away from the Bloodfields.”
“Let’s all die. Good riddance. You want me, Persua? Come and get me!”
“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.”
“Ow. What the—”
“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?”
“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.”
““Get away from them. Get—””
““Ceria? Calruz?””
““No. Did she do this? Did—””
““…Hello?””
““No. Nonono. It wasn’t her, was it?””