act12side

Forget that, you just used the word 'dumbass,' didn't you?

Look at me, using vulgar language in front of Milady. Oughta slap me.

Hmph.

So you and Ch'en have seen how she takes fights?

C'mon, I'm here because I haven't. Neither has Ch'en, I reckon.

You're right about one thing, though. It's a good thing we've never seen her fight before. That'd put us in the tough position, we'd have to take her in.

As long as you get it.

Never thought there'd be a day when she and Ch'en work together, though.

You really do see everything as you get older.

So in the end, who do you think would win, then?

Don't feel like guessing.

Heh, then I'll guess on my own.

In my opinion, if Ch'en had her sword, it'd be hard for Lin Yühsia to ever get near her.

But, if she does let Miss Lin get near, then Ch'en's lost.

Ch'en sure sucks.

You can't say that either. Ch'en's solid with her kickboxing. Joint locks and grapples and whatever. She's amazing with all our normal training, too.

You saw how decent her accuracy was too, just now.

But in the end, Ch'en's best with a sword.

So you're implying Lin Yühsia's as good in close-quarters as Ch'en is with her sword.

More or less.

Having fun acting the hero, Hui-chieh?

Not really, but I don't need you worrying.

Sorry, Miss Ch'en, I...

I told you, you could've just waited over there for me. You did fine.

Thank you for helping me out.

You're welcome.

But, um, why did you do it?

No reason. I saw you, so I helped.

I see. You're a nice person, Miss.

And since you're nice, here.

Is this... pure gold?

Mhm, they were only after me because I had this.

And you're fine giving it to us?

It's alright, I can go look for some more.

Besides, I never really cared about the competition anyway. Getting to know someone as nice as Miss Ch'en is enough for me already.

I'll give you a heads-up. Quite a few teams are on high alert—you can chat all you want, but you'd better not stay here too long.

I'm heading off, then. Bye-bye~

We'd better move too.

Can I just ask, did you get anything out of that other than playing hero?

Does gold not count?

I guess.

What about you?

Nothing in particular.

So, continue? Or hand in?

We'll continue.

Alright.

Alright, dear audience. I've just gotten word that all twenty pure gold ingots have been handed in.

Which means, Round 1 has reached a consummate close.

Now, then, we'll move to the voting phase.

Voting will last several hours, and once it closes, we'll be here on stage announcing the teams that made it out of Round 1! Don't miss it!

...It's over.

There's still Round 1 voting, but with your popularity, I'm sure we'll be fine.

Yes.

That said, it seems you haven't gotten leads on any dangerous terrorists, Miss Lin?

Not on my end.

Then maybe there really isn't anything to worry about.

Possibly.

Hui-chieh, do you have a moment?

For what?

I need you for something.

First, let's get a little music going!

Alright, you've been waiting for two days, and now we're on the brink of the championship's Round 2—the Triathlon!

The rules are simple as could be. First you run, then you ride, and finally you swim!

Obstructing competitors? No problem! As long as one of your teammates finishes, you pass!

Shortcuts are fair game, but careful of who's lying within the alleys! They're not gonna roll over and let you through!

Furthermore, if you reach the finish, but the cycling and swimming checkpoints never saw you, then that's not gonna count!

In other words, contestants, nothing's stopping you from spinning around and diving in at the start line—if you wanna be the laughing stock of the whole city.

If you're someone who's got it made and you wanna hitch on a low-altitude aircraft, sure!

But, if the audience doesn't like that, you might just get booted out at the votes!

Further, as fifteen teams directly passed Round 1, along with one team being revived thanks to audience voting, sixteen teams in total made it out.

Thus, eight teams will pass Round 2.

That's the first eight teams to make it who get the right to pass!

Well, then, let's invite those sixteen teams up onto the stage!

What a beautiful sea...

It really is.

Looks like we wasted nothing coming to this city.

How about we sit down right here, then.

We could also head back. I'm worried we'll be a nuisance to the others here...

Don't let it weigh on you. This city doesn't seem to mind the Infected too much.

Though it's very plainly not because they're open-minded, but because they don't care...

Besides, we have Sussurro with us. We'll be fine, right?

Yes. I'm well aware of Eyjafjalla's condition.

In my honest opinion, you should worry more about yourself than if you're troubling anyone else.

You spend more time indoors than the average person, and that doesn't just have repercussions on your body, but your mental health as well.

That's why I, as a doctor, endorsed bringing you here, Eyjafjalla.

Everyone should have the right to enjoy the sunshine.

Absolutely.

They ran into some trouble, but I heard over the screen that the Doctor took a group on vacation somewhere.

It's only right that Eyjafjalla and the rest of us get one too.

No, I came voluntarily to carry out geological research, and if I hold up everyone else...

Aw, come on, now, don't you worry so much.

We came here on legitimate grounds, too. Rhodes Island wants to set up a branch office here, and we've never been able to get the mayor's approval.

Amiya's had us come here as a liaison.

So you just relax and enjoy the competition.

Mhm. Thanks.

Oh, right. Where's Projekt Red?

I don't think she's coming here. She went off alone somewhere.

Fine. She's been like this since forever. I'm used to it.

Oh, look! They're up, they're up!

Let's welcome—LUNG wRATh!