ashlok

A beautiful lunge! The scion of Bolesław shows no mercy to his former comrade!

But his conservative style is no match for the roar of a gun. Ashlock Knight blocks the attack with her shield again and backs her opponent into a corner.

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Now's your chance, Greynuty.

You stand before me because you've made a choice. Don't tell me you're regretting it now.

Think of it as doing a favor for a friend—

Kill me.

Two weeks ago...

Get him! Strike the gap between his pauldrons and gauntlets... beautiful!

Keep it down, Joey, everyone's staring.

Keep it down in a bar? I want to see the Infected take that noble down a notch!

Uh... no offense, Greynuty, Arbat.

Ruger's been on a win streak. Looks like he was telling the truth in those interviews where he said he was using Arts to improve his fighting style.

On the other hand, the only thing worth talking about the heir of Oz for is his sponsored power boots.

Checkmate.

Nice. Guess reading the papers every day really can do some good.

Of course.

Sigh... You got me, Greynuty. That's more than the 'I played a bit when I was little' level.

I had a lot of cousins with too much free time.

You might've had a chance, if you weren't too focused on saving your knight.

Can we actually act like we're in a bar?

This isn't the first time they've played chess as a form of tactical training. You, on the other hand, need to reflect on how you let your opponent have his way with you in that last elimination match.

Hey, I wasn't trained from birth like you lot.

All I wanted to do was to open a little shop in Kawalerielki. Getting infected wasn't part of the plan. Tourneys are fast money. I'll retire once I've made enough.

Excuse me. Are you Ashlock Knight?

Yes.

I'm with The Red Wine. We sent an inquiry to your temporary residence a few days ago, but it seems there was a small issue...

I've been very impressed with your performance, and I believe you have a serious chance to make some noise in the Major.

Thank you.

The public would be very interested in your private life, outside of the arena.

For example, this bar you frequent, your everyday training, and... the details of your exile from the Kaliskas.

My life isn't nearly as colorful as you think it is.

I've heard that you bear a grudge against your family. A single headline can draw more eyes and increase your influence more effectively than the slim hopes of a Major title.

Who doesn't love a good story, after all?

You can make up your own gossip, but today is my day off and I want to spend it playing chess with my friends.

Very well. Sorry to bother you.

My, my, Grey turns down an interview from The Red Wine just for us!

A tragic infection, a split from the family, a journey to Kawalerielki all by herself... a sob story draws more attention than cannonfire.

We don't fight on paper with ink, Joey. Looking for shortcuts will just make you lose sight of what really matters.

Arbat's right. I hate the hypocrites in my family, but I'm even less interested in using them to draw attention.

The Red Wine just started a new column, interviewing noble-born competition knights, in order to get support and sponsorship from noble houses.

I thought Arbat's family was even higher in status historically. Why didn't the reporter—

Hey! What are you doing... *ahem* I mean, it was his loss for not recognizing you, Arbat.

I'm glad to get to avoid a nosy reporter, and I give thanks to the proud and dignified House of Bolesław, which left neither money nor trouble to its descendants.

Let's get back to our game, Greynuty.

Careful with your armor. At this range, you'll catch yourself in the blast.

You have the advantage at range. I must think about how to deal with this problem.

You really don't talk in a match, do you?

In that case...

Not fast enough.

My magazine... is empty.

I see there's no other choice but to make you recall 'old habits'.

I'm glad I'm not good enough to spar with Ashlock Knight, Robert.

I know the feeling.

Don't bother us while we're training.

Even a blank's got plenty of power. That wall looks like it could collapse any moment now... again.

Ahem. I'll pay for the repairs.

...Once last week's tournament money is in my account.

This can be repaired with some old bricks and synthetic glue. That's how I fixed up the family garden before it was put up as collateral. Won't cost too much.

But we've got a little guest to deal with first, who seems to have been drawn by the sound of cannonfire.

A-Ashlock Knight? I just wanted to ask if you might sign an autograph for me. I've watched all your tournaments...

Well, listened to them on the radio... I don't mean to interrupt your training, maybe I should—

It's no bother at all.

What's your name?

Diane!

Here's your autograph. Thank you for your support.

Is there anything else?

*Sigh*...

Why do you like the Ashlock Knight, Diane?

B-Because cannons are so cool! I don't know why my friends keep saying that a knight should use a sword, when shields and cannons are so awesome!

Besides, she protected my mom and dad when those people in black attacked the settlement!

And, and... I'm short too.

Er...

I'm sure the Ashlock Knight would be happy to give you a spent shell, since you're such a fan.

Take it.

Feel free to find me if you ever want another autograph... just be careful not to get hurt by the training knights.

Thank you! I'll come again. Good luck in your next match!

Why do fans love this piece of wood?

Thanks, Arbat. You're good with children.

I get along well enough with my niece and nephew. Fortunately, they're my diehard fans, and they haven't been converted by you just yet.

You've got plenty of fans. They like the image of a gentle, classical knight.

I'm sure I could get Master Bolesław to go easy on me if I begged.

He won't.

Arbat goes all out in every match, to show respect to his opponent, and for his own convictions.

I appreciate the praise. And I'm looking forward to our match.

I won't hold back.

Why are you two making duel arrangements when we're supposed to be going to watch Robert's match?

It's alright, all I'm doing is trying to survive.

Letter for Sir Arbat Bolesław.

Thank you.

Thanks for the autograph! I'll keep rooting for you!

Hey, is it just me, or has Arbat been acting a little weird lately?

You're just jealous.

You bet I am! How did he win so many fans in the span of a few matches?

Did you read the column? Amidst vulgar boasts of noble status, Arbat's interpretation of chivalry touches the spirit.

But his convictions about family are not to the taste of most Kazimierzians.

Green with envy, are you, Rob?

No...

You've really been pushing yourself lately, Arbat.