blemsh

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A group of bandits who fled here... So Rhodes Island takes jobs like this too?

Yep. Given our branch offices operate under all sorts of conditions all across the world, any weird and wild commission could come to our doors.

But it IS usually just responding to some Infected or Originium.

According to the info the office gave, the village militia'll help us with the operation. Says their chief's a pretty impressive one.

We already spent a chunk of time just getting here. I hope nothing happened in the meanwhile...

You're Rhodes Island, here to help us catch the bandits?

Yes, we are.

You're the head of the village militia. Was Lanton the name?

No, I'm his brother Landi. The thing with him, well...

Not long ago, while he was leading a team on patrol, they got attacked. The others were alright, but he went missing. We've searched for ages without turning up any trace of him, so now it's up to me to lead the militia until we get him back.

I'm sorry. If we'd only come a bit sooner...

It's not your fault. It takes time for Messengers to pass the word on, after all.

I'm just hoping you can help out with catching those bandits. It'll take a weight off the village's shoulders.

Our intel says a group of bandits stole a merchant caravan's Originium weapons, and then fled this way.

That tells us these bandits are no pushovers.

Right now, it's highly likely they're eyeing the village, so all of you stay here to protect against potential raids.

But––

They're going, so it's up to us. No harm in that.

Gerain, those bandits are the reason my brother's missing now!

And? Lanton's the strongest in the village. If they can send him missing, what good'll we do if we go?

And what good'll you do, Landi?

I don't want an argument with you.

Only catching these bandits can bring peace to the village.

How? With your 'superior' command skills? No idea how we usually patrol, no idea how we even form our squads, is that all it takes?

Or your 'genius' leadership where you can't even remember all our names?

You can't seriously think you're Lanton, can you?

Come again?!

That's my point for today.

Do you think we see you as a decent stand-in for the captain? You're just a shame on Lanton, that's it.

You've never drilled with us, all you do is hunt in the mountains all day. The idea of protecting the village's never even occurred to you.

Lanton's gone, and you suddenly pipe up saying you'll be our militia chief in place of him? What good is you protecting the village going to do? What's going on in your head?

Look, you even made a point of carrying Lanton's sword. Who are you fooling?

Back me up here!

He's right! I got fed up a long time ago.

Damn straight. What gives you the right to boss us around, Landi?

Alright, let's go, forget him!

There it is. Enough, Landi. Leave it to these outsiders.

They'll get a lot more done than you, that much's plain to see.

Your dream is taken from another. Your conviction is borrowed.

You use your young age as an excuse for your confusion... but what point is there?

The world can laugh at the Radiant Knight's stubbornness, but no one may refute the strength in her actions.

Yet you... you are not even a knight.

Well...

No bearing on me if they don't go. I'll be following you.

But...

You'll need someone to show the way, right?

Let him come with, Blemishine.

Alright...

I haven't seen anyone fishy around this area, or any signs people stopped over.

Not bad, dude. Didn't think you could actually walk it on top of talking it.

If you can't think about what to say, I suggest you keep your mouth shut.

It's alright. Hunting really is the only thing I'm good for.

Let's go and check ahead.

Also... I'm sorry. For that whole scene you had to see.

It's not that they're unwilling to help you, they're just not willing to help me.

Why are they so opposed to you?

Because... I guess because I've taken up my brother's post.

My grandpa was the last militia chief. He trained Lanton and me when we were little.

We're right on the border here. Bandits on the run, bounty hunters, you name it, they show up in droves. Once we were grown, Grandpa wanted us to protect the village from harm, together.

But—I'm not even good at people like my brother is. I'm better off alone.

It's like they said, I've never drilled with them. I just like hunting in the mountains on my own.

Lanton understood how I felt, so he became militia leader.

That was never a problem, up until he went missing.

(Exhale)...

The sword you're using now—that's your brother's?

Yes.

It's his saber. Apparently, it was found close to where he went missing.

I picked it up because I wanted to use it on those bandits who hurt him.

This sword's too heavy for you. It's not a good fit for you at all.

That's alright. I'll use it to make the bandits pay.

But––

Watch out!

Hnph!

Who are you?!

Dammit.

Hold it!

Wait, don't just run off!

Ugh, take them down first!

Stay where you are!

Lanton, it's you, isn't it?

...Landi.

Lanton, your clothes. The bandits who attacked us were wearing these.

Why?

You've always been smart. You should be able to guess.

This means you're working with those bandits...

Right.

Why?

I don't want to be trapped in a remote hellhole like that all my life, Landi.

I don't want to spend my whole life bossing around some idiots forever.

That's all there is to it.

Lanton!

Guh...

That's a decent number of targets...

Blemishine, leave this to us. You go find Landi.

But...

You probably have a bad feeling about this, just like I do.

Right.

Then go. Don't wait around to confirm that feeling.

Relax. We can handle this thing.