act16d5

Remember what I said. There are always ways to turn things around.

Turn things around...

Fine. Very well... You won.

There's no point in making a stand over this... I'll just stand by and see how far you can take it.

I guarantee you're in for a surprise, my good little sister.

Hmph.

Lava, nice work.

Uh, your sister doesn't seem very happy. Should we just leave her alone?

Oh, she's fine... She's locked herself away in the paintings for years. Having to deal with this many people is probably asking too much from her right now.

Just pretend she's got some anxiety disorder, or that she's shy.

Oh, if you're trying to strike up a conversation, you're just gonna get yelled up, Nothing bro. You don't want to bring that on yourself.

A-Alright.

...So, I guess that wraps up the mission?

How did you get here anyway...?

I've got my ways...

What's our next step?

Find ourselves a car or something and head back to Rhodes Island?

Might as well take a few stops on the way to get grub. Make it a fun road trip.

Kuo-wu is known for its fine, exquisite food. If you ask me, though, I think they're tasteless and boring—

—Blasphemy. You'll find no finer delicacy than the scalebass here toward the end of autumn. They are plump and delicious, the perfect complement to the green mountains and rivers around us.

...Oh, scalebass is fine, but it's no match for a hotpot paired with booze.

Heh, I should have the kid show you how wrong you are. The broad variety of Yan cuisine will open your eyes.

Even hotpot is a subject of study and debate. Given how... quick with the tongue you are, I can't imagine you being an expert on the subject.

Oh, open my eyes? That's a bit rich, coming from someone who eats nothing but ink.

Please, I wouldn't dare to lecture anyone on cuisine. Look at what you are wearing, though. It reminds me of freshly planted chilies.

H-Hey, let's stop it, okay? And here I thought you two finally calmed down! Kroos, help me out here.

I just looked up the route back. We're gonna hit seventeen restaurants well-known for their local specialties. This will do, right?

Yeah, I suppose it'll work.

...Hmph.

My benefactors! My benefactors! Uh, I have something I would like to mention.

What is it now? You're acting so weird, it's freaking me out...

Well, you see, I was hoping to make my way to Lungmen to find myself a job, but it appears you are all employed by this... 'Rhodes Island.' Is this island maybe hiring?

I can do anything! I am healthy and hale, quite ripped even! And I most certainly am not afraid of the Infected! I guarantee you'll get your money's worth!

Uh... you could come with us and take the exams, but I can't really promise you anything...

Very well, then please allow me to accompany you on your journey!

This is turning into a real party.

Master.

Yes?

I shall never forget the time I spent within thy scrolls.

You needn't remember it.

I am afraid these memories will stay with me for the rest of my life. Unlike thee, life is short for me.

You have my pity.

How's your master now...?

My head priest yet lives. Though he is already a century and a score in age, thou wilt find him quite hale and healthy.

Right.

So you're going with them?

No, I am afraid not... I wish to continue my travels far and wide, leaving Yan behind.

I have a dream.

Be that as it may, Lava has been a kind friend. Surely, this Rhodes Island must be a place of many fascinations. Should we have the chance, I wish to pay it a visit.

I am afraid I know not when that will be, however.

...Heh. Isn't that nice? You guys have that privilege now.

Why, I quite envy thee instead, Master Dusk. Thou need not take a step outside to enjoy the fine landscapes even thousands of miles away.

If you've seen as many mountains as I have, life isn't going to be that much more interesting, no matter how many thousands of miles you travel.

Crude mounts utmost risen.

If you ever meet him again, tell him: this one extra stroke wasn't bad.

Mr. Nothing, there's been a car tailing us for a while, right?

Looks like they're here for you. Need any help?

I won't trouble you so... Allow me to take care of this myself.

What happened to the promise to your master?

Why, I needn't use the fan to take care of these hooligans!

If they dare do evil beyond the city gates under broad daylight, then there truly is no law and order left in this world! I'll teach them a lesson today—

Look, there's two more cars now.

Some of them have weapons too. Looks like they're bent on making a ruckus.

...M-My benefactors?

*Sigh*.

Well, if they mean us harm... Let's do this.