durnar

(Takes a sip of the 'Iceflame')

Hah—That time—I think I went home right after they threw me out of the army.

I drowned my sorrows at the bars back home, day in and day out, then I'd go outside to make trouble.

My family was understanding, at least. Pampered me all the time. They helped me keep from ending up a total failure.

After that, my sister pulled some strings, and I got a job working riot police at the local department.

What? These days, lots of little sisters outdo their big sisters, you know?

She's much more mature than me. She always took care of everything back home when we were kids, too.

It's like I should've been the little sister instead.

(Takes a sip of the 'Iceflame')

It's a peaceful little town, so there wasn't much for me to do.

After that, the city government decided to reorganize the police force and cut down on the riot police, so I got canned.

I guess they figured they could spend the money elsewhere, with how peaceful the place was.

So I became a shut-in again and mooched off my parents. I felt bad about it, so I took some of the money I saved up and moved to a nearby nomadic city to look for work.

I looked around for a few weeks, and a company wanted me to help manage their security detail. I signed up without thinking too much about it.

It wasn't until after I started that I found out their so-called security detail was just a few random bums they picked off the street to guard the place. They didn't have any training, and no equipment either.

I wanted to do something about it, but whenever I asked for a budget, the higher-ups would start making up excuses and told me not to worry about it if I knew what's good for me.

Now what's that about?!

Seriously, bunch of douchebags!

(Takes a gulp of the 'Iceflame')

I had nothing to say to those stupid suits and their fancy business, those jackwads!

Well, it so happens that there was a convoy heading out to resupply pioneers hiring bodyguards.

So I took a few of the kids who were willing to come with me and joined them as mercenaries.

Is that why when we first contacted your parents—

You see, out in the frontier, it's not all that uncommon for a letter to take a whole month to not even get delivered.

Have you been out there?

No.

You should see it for yourself, if you ever find the time.

I never thought I'd get to see places like that in Columbia.

The food was terrible, and so was everything we had to use, but everyone held out hope for a good life.

But then? Bandits, wild beasts, Catastrophes, you name it. You'll find them out there.

Those days were intense.

Rusthammers, beasts, gangs.

And the goddamned scouts.

New Manfist's a helluva shithole.

(Finishes the 'Iceflame')

*Cough*

None of the folks I brought with me made it out alive.

It was just me, a disgraced old vet, cast out by the explorers, with nowhere to go except back to the city.

I went back home to find my old man had kicked the bucket. My little sister took over his work, while her big sister was as much a failure as she'd always been.

Heh...

Really, when I got the letter, I was wondering if a schlub like me really deserved an invite to this place.

And clearly I didn't need to worry about that.

Thanks to all of you.

And you too, Corporal Mark Green.

I'm proud of all of you.

(Turns off the recorder)

That's all I have to say.

Let's leave it there.

Yes, Instructor.

(Puts his recorder away)

Life here isn't bad. There's a bunch of cute kids to teach, a bunch of loyal, dependable coworkers to talk to, even a commander with a pretty good head.

Plus, I met an old friend here.

Not you. A Vulpo.

She's an Infected girl. I fought her before with my electric blade. These days, though? We hang out and talk to each other.

It's nice.

Makes me wonder how long this is going to last...

Hmph...

Dario!

Yes, ma'am?

Any special cocktails you got in you? I'll take one.

You, Hank?

'Liberi Tears,' thanks.

Heh, okay.

There you go, Dario. His drinks are on me.

And bring some snacks.

I gotta talk to my student some more.

Understood. Just a moment, please.

Alright, punk, the night is still young.

We're drinking till we drop!