act10mini

We're not here to fight today, are we?

We're here for a reason. There's no need for us to go at each others' throats like wild animals.

Come now, Mr. Gareth, put away that weapon, will you? Didn't we agree that I would handle the negotiations?

Gareth...?

That voice... Elba!?

It's you! You're alive!

I never thought I'd see you here!

I didn't recognize you in that outfit.

Gareth? Gareth 'Swiftblade'? You're alive?!

W-Why are you with Rusthammer?

Oh, it's you guys!

The warriors look at each other in bewilderment, still gripping their weapons, but seemingly unsure what to do with them.

Brothers, it's fine, I know them!

Put down your weapons! They're okay!

It's really you...

I thought you had...

It's a long story.

See, we're all friends here, aren't we? Maybe even relatives, if we go back a few thousand years. How about we find somewhere else to chat?

Per my agreement with your other leader, I'll deliver this equipment to your... base?

Mr. Gareth, would you kindly bring a few other men with us to deliver the goods?

Will do.

Are we seriously considering letting this guy into our base?

It wouldn't be his first time. We just have to trust Nine's judgment...

Ugh...

Beautiful! Simply beautiful!

You really fixed the thing!

I told you we could do it.

Reunion has surpassed the expectations of more than a few people. You certainly get things done.

So, forty Originium Ingots, as agreed? My humble commission is included in the price, of course.

Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Cannot.

What exactly are you planning, can-head? Just forty ingots for all this?

Why the mistrust, my friend?

Cooperation needs to start from trust. Conversely, considering our long history, it would do well for you to trust me a little more.

Think of it as an investment. I see bigger and better things in your future, and even more opportunities for us to work together.

Look at that hovercraft and tell me what you see.

A hovercraft.

I see OPPORTUNITY!

With that, you will be able to traverse the wastes at no less than two hundred kilometers an hour, zooming from nomadic city to nomadic city. How many organizations on Terra can claim that kind of capability?

Now, what you do with it is none of my concern, but I would suggest treating it with care... It's not exactly an easy thing to repair.

Thank you for your assistance, Mr. Cannot.

Of course, my friend. Best of luck in your future endeavors.

Rusthammer is... different from how I imagined.

A lot of people misunderstand them, but they're not concerned with what outsiders... with what 'civilized' people think of them.

...Can I ask you a question?

What is it?

Is Illa with you? What...

What happened to her?

Illa?

Don't worry, she's fine.

She's just... not feeling too well.

Are her Oripathy symptoms worsening?

No, no, it's not Oripathy, don't worry.

She... well, she's pregnant.

P-Pregnant?

Can you imagine it? I'm going to be a dad!

Oh... wow, so you guys have...

Don't worry, our Rusthammer brothers and sisters are taking good care of her. Those who are born onto the wasteland are blessed by the storms and the great earth.

That's not what I was worried about.

I just didn't think that you would... hehe.

Anyway, congratulations.

Thanks.

I spent a lot of time thinking it over...

Whether it would be irresponsible to bring a new life into this world, only for them to grow up in pain and suffering.

But at last, Illa told me that she wanted to be a mother.

And so I decided that I would do everything I could to protect and educate my child, whatever awaits them in the future.

They will grow up to be a better person than I am.

I... I really admire you.

Time to go, Mr. Gareth. Our work here is done.

Got it.

Goodbye, Elba. I thought I'd never see you again. It's been a blessed day.

Live long, Elba!

You too.

Did you want to spend more time with your old friend? You can have it, you know.

It's fine. We've said what we needed to.

Very well then, let's go.

Well, look who's waiting for us. Did you have any unfinished business?

Impressive, by the way, to completely elude my notice.

Do not underestimate Catastrophe Messengers.

Do you remember me, Mr. Cannot?

Of course, Miss Elba.

I remember everyone I've ever met. That said, you've changed so much over the past year that I could barely recognize you.

It is always good to see old friends doing so well.

You call everybody a 'friend'.

Do you really understand how much weight that word carries?

If we're truly 'friends'...

Then I must ask you to answer a question before you leave. And answer truthfully.

As you said yourself, cooperation needs to start from trust.

So I need an answer that will develop that trust.

Certainly. Go ahead.

Why are you helping us?

Don't try to dodge the question, or get around it with sophistry.

I want to hear the truth.

Hahaha...

The man wearing a bucket on his head laughs wryly.

For a moment, he gazes quietly at the Reunion member before him, his eyes cloudy under the heavy helmet.

It was never my intention to play with words.

But not everyone is able to accept the stark, unvarnished truth.

Some truths are better left unspoken, my dear Miss Nine.

Reunion does not need lies and deception.

You have roamed the wastelands, the myriad realms of Terra. What have you seen?