ash

Think on the bright side, brother! This proves that you really can strike it rich in Columbia!

Y-You're right!

Are you sure that's what happened?

Of course it is! What else could it be!

Looks like getting kidnapped wasn't such a bad thing!

Sister, we've been through hell together. You should tell us what your dad does once you find him!

That's right! Let's share the wealth!

A-Alright.

What about you? Why are you going to Columbia?

Same as you.

Looking for a job.

Excuse me, may I look at the map?

This is... yes! It must be! This hill! Right here!

See that? That's City No.9! Have you ever seen a nomadic city that big?

It'll be the center of a new Columbia-Kazimierz highway that will open up trade between the two countries - even the intercity net!

Columbian films will enter the Kazimierzian market, and the Major finals in The Grand Knight Territory will be broadcast in real-time in Columbia!

The stories are true!

It's so big...

I've never seen anything that big in my life.

It's a monumental landmark alright.

I'll work there someday. I'll make my own fortune. No one can stop me—

'Massive cities sail the wasteland under a setting sun, a scene surreal and awe-inspiring in equal measure.'

'But we all know that spectacular wonders are often built from mundane bricks, even downright ugly ones.'

'The glamorous surface always hides the same lies.'

'The eyes of everyone here are full of dreams, a kind of pure, naive passion that I've only seen in the eyes of the most loyal warriors and most innocent children.'

'But I don't know what awaits them ahead.'

'Or perhaps we all know how the story ends, because history has shown it too many times.'

Recoil will throw your aim off, if you're tense.

Relax. The key is in the rhythm of your breathing.

Very good. Line up your sights with the target, then squeeze the trigger.

Oh...

Not bad, for a first try.

Less meat for dinner, though.

Does everyone learn to use this, where you come from?

No... we take up arms so others can lay them down.

I hope the day will never come when you have to take up arms. But if it comes, you'll be glad you learned this.

Crossbows might be more useful for you guys. I have a friend who would've been a good teacher, if she was here.

I know how to use a bow! I've even hunted with it!

I fantasized about becoming as skilled as the knights... but I gave up practicing after dad gave me a scolding.

Interesting. I had a similar experience myself, though I wasn't so obedient.

Choose your own way for yourself, when you start your new life.

We've got firewood. We can make dinner now.

Let's go. You must be hungry.

Aren't you hungry?

These sandworm cans are the only food we have left. It's a little salty, but food is food.

I kind of like it. If only we had some rye bread.

No argument there... I'll have some. Food in this place is safe to eat, as far as I can tell.

It's... not too bad.

Mm... I feel so warm.

Hot food always makes you feel that things aren't so bad, right? Like there's always a way.

Of course. Columbia is a stone's throw away. Soon we'll be starting new lives.

Hear, hear.

Let's not forget this!

Booze? Where did you find it?

I grabbed a couple of things when we left that cave. Payback for getting us separated from the caravan.

Can't read the label though. Looks like it's in Columbian...

Nice! A drink is exactly what we need right now.

Too bad I sold my cello in Leithanien, or I would play something for us.

Didn't realize you had that up your sleeves.

What could be more shameful than a Leithanian who doesn't play an instrument?

Here's to music! And to the new cello that you'll buy once you've made your fortune in Columbia.

A drink, sister?

S-Sorry, I'm not much of a drinker.

Too bad. Not many chances to drink your fill like this back home.

Too bad, too bad. Well, brother, prost!

To a new life!

To Columbia!

Look at me, I almost forgot about the fraulein. Care to join us?

Sorry, I'll pass.

I'd love to join, but I need to stay alert tonight.

A short distance from the camp.

Line of sight isn't great. We should have made our move earlier.

Don't worry, they won't get out of the forest.

Careful. They might still be with the one who hit our camp.

We're ready this time. We'll make them pay.

Stay here while I scout ahead. If I get a shot...

Back so soon?

He's not coming back.

Experienced, but not professional enough.

Put down your weapon.

It was you—

Sure was.

Please answer the rest of my questions just as honestly.

Who sent you?

Eat sh—

I'm not in a great mood today. If this is how you want to continue the conversation, I'm happy to oblige.

Why did you kidnap them?

Money.

Farms and mines always need new labor. There's always business to be done with pioneer groups traveling across the wasteland.

Why those three?

Those three? What are you talking about?

You killed our guys. We came after you!

What are you waiting for?

You won. The remaining supplies and ammo are yours.

Do it!

'I didn't write this to accuse. I'm in no position to do that.'

'As they say, you should not criticize someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes.'

'This is an interesting world, one that is different from ours. It is like a mirror, and we must reflect upon what it is reflecting.'

'I have learned a lot in this world.'

Where did you go?