falco

But I don't think any academy would teach a poleaxe user to sacrifice the weapon's power and rely on speed.

You're right, I didn't follow the standard guard training.

The seniors in my squad privately suggested that I offset my weaknesses by bolstering my strengths, so I incorporated some tricks into my fighting style and barely passed the course.

A very good tradeoff, if you ask me.

Have you ever considered taking up a different weapon though?

Most of the guard forces used poleaxes.

Hm... Of course, that's your decision to make.

But since you've already found your personal style, it shouldn't be a problem either way.

Have you recovered a little?

I drank some saline water and already feel a lot better.

I did make a mistake earlier, which made me burn through my stamina too quickly. I wasn't pacing myself at the start of the fight.

What you remind me of—from what I'm familiar with at least—is a prey animal that's been hunted day and night. Have you gotten enough rest lately?

Huh? I don't have anything like that going on.

As a matter of fact, it feels really fulfilling to have a duty to carry out each and every day.

Every day?

Mhm. When I first came to Rhodes Island, I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing. Recently, I realized that I should be taking the initiative to apply for missions.

While I can more or less understand how you feel...

Going on too many field operations is unreasonable. You need rest, and your weapon needs maintenance too.

Have you even been to the Engineering Department since coming to Rhodes Island?

Huh? No, but I think my weapon is in pretty good shape.

Don't worry, the craftspeople here are familiar with Laterano weapons. There are several masters in the repair shop who can fix even guns with ease.

They might even be able to give you some ideas on how to upgrade your poleaxe to make it more comfortable.

Good idea. I'll keep that in mind.

Honestly, I've been thinking the same thing. My weapon could use some modifications, since our tasks here are so different from the guard forces.

Let's get a move on. The sun's starting to set, and we need to reach the safe house before dark.

And that's a full overview of the field operation. After dispatching the ambushers at the outset, we encountered no other threats.

The attackers were obviously mercenaries, and I've collected the bolts they used. Unfortunately, this information alone cannot reveal the identity of whoever's behind this.

I'll leave them here with the report, Doctor. If you have no other questions, I'll take my leave.

I'll also–

Hold on a moment, Plume.

Someone from HR wants to talk to you.

Alright... I'm honored that you remember my code name, Doctor.

Your application to serve as the Doctor's bodyguard has been carefully reviewed.

Unfortunately, the Doctor has decided that a personal bodyguard is unnecessary while aboard the Rhodes Island landship.

Oh, that's something I sent out earlier...

Um... Thank you for your time and patience. I'm sorry that my abilities are not up to par...

Ahem... You don't need to take it that seriously, Plume.

The good news is that you've been recognized for your performance in recent field missions, and the Doctor will need escorts when conducting operations away from the ship.

In other words, I got the job?

That's right.

That said, one of our operators reported that you've been applying for an unusually high number of field missions. As HR Department staff, I need to know the reason.

Although you've been pretty tight-lipped about your past, you did come with those two Laterano operators after all...

I don't know what they've been through, nor do I have the right to ask.

What I'm trying to say is that I've heard a word or two about your pre-Rhodes Island situation from them.

Uh, the way they put it was that they 'felt bad for you because you seemed so lost and directionless all the time,' which is why they brought you out of Laterano.

Considering that you still value Laterano glory, but have been dismissed from the guard forces, I would like to confirm your motives for taking on these recent field missions.

Are you regretting the decision you made at the time?

No, I don't regret it... At least not anymore.

I can trust my own judgment now. In the face of life and death, the rules can be bent.

And after coming to Rhodes Island, I realized that people with Oripathy don't infect others simply by walking down the street, nor are they just waiting for death to come.

Seeing how Backfire is still alive and conscious, can still participate in training, and can still talk to the captain as energetically as before... It truly makes me happy.

I've also come to terms with the fact that I can't go back to the Laterano Guards. Rhodes Island and Laterano are completely different places, and I've also had to change.

Plus, I'm really fascinated by the things people talk about here, even if I don't fully understand them.

In my experience, field missions give me more opportunities to work with my teammates, and should help me better integrate into the group.

About that... Actually, many operators bond over common interests, such as Pinecone's woodcrafting group, or Vigna's band...

Speaking of which, they seem to be missing a bass player right now?

Mm... Thanks for letting me know. I'll think about it.

By the way, Firewatch recommended the 'Vitafield' clothing brand to me. I heard they're currently in a business relationship with us. Can you tell me more about it?

Eh... Plume?

Go ahead and show her around.;I think we're done with the serious stuff.

Um, alright, if it's fine with you, Doctor. I'll go grab one of my colleagues then.