gnosis

Just a little joke.

My family—

They don't know yet.

Yes, with your cover story, it'll take them some time to realize that I've been kidnapped.

Our teacher sure is thorough, isn't he?

It's time to eat.

How am I supposed to eat with my hands tied behind my back?

Go on, feed me.

Thanks. The taste's not so bad.

Aren't you scared?

Sure I'm scared. But that won't help. I was thinking maybe I should get used to this.

Are you out of your mind?

This is the state of Kjerag right now. So weak that this may not be the last time something like this happens.

Are you going to leave Kjerag with that man?

None of your business.

I would say it is, given that it was passage bought with my safety.

...I suppose you're right.

Why? Did you dislike Kjerag?

I don't dislike it. I just... I don't know. I don't understand why people like my father would bury their heads in history, obsessing over the events of the past.

I can't help but feel the urge to run away when I think about how I'm supposed to become a scholar like him.

Ah, your father. We've met a few times. Not the easiest man to get along with.

I should have invited you to my house more often.

Maybe I wouldn't have had to deal with my two sisters so much if I introduced you.

I doubt I would have gotten along with them either.

Is there anything you want to do once you get out?

...I haven't decided.

Well, that's not good. But then, my father says that he began his studies with no particular goal in mind, then began to find one along the way.

You—

You're the one in danger. Stop worrying about me.

Come now, Gnosis.

What?

You wanted to leave Kjerag because it's boring. Am I right?

Not entirely.

You wouldn't understand.

I suppose I wouldn't. Not entirely, at least.

But what if I told you that I can make Kjerag less boring?

What?

I haven't told anyone else. Keep it secret for me.

I understand why Father says that Kjerag is weak and needs to learn to accept compromise.

But I'm getting tired of seeing him bow his head to foreigners. It's like you said: Boring.

We need to be stronger, tougher, fiercer. Let the foreigners know that they can't walk over the people of Kjerag so easily.

Shh—

Alright, visiting hours are over.

What are you dallying for? The boss is looking for you. I'll watch this one.

Hmph.

Do you always carry an Arts Unit with you, Gnosis?

I took the scenic route.

Don't move, I'll untie you.

I felt safer when I was tied up.

They don't see Kjerag as an equal partner. Give them an inch, and they'll take a mile.

Makes sense.

I'm sorry... I didn't know he would do that.

I'm starting to like you, Gnosis.

Oh?

I thought our little chat was proof enough that I forgive you.

This is this and that is that.

Getting you kidnapped and rescuing you after having second thoughts are two different matters.

That's what I like.

So, do you have a plan to get away?

A sliver of one. I've been thinking about it.

So you came to rescue me from the get-go?

That's not what I said.

Gotcha!

Hmph.

What's that? Trying to scratch an itch?

Surrender, and maybe the boss will let you off easy.

In your dreams.

Gugh—

You... won't... get... away...

Well, that was close.

Can I ask a question?

What?

You're intentionally making noise along the way, right? Like how you used Arts in that fight just now.

Yes, because—

Here they come.

This was not smart, Gnosis.

I agree.

Can you tell me why?

It's true that I don't like my life right now.

I don't know what kind of life I want.

But that doesn't mean I want to leave with you.

What a shame.

You've lost your one shot at freedom.

Here, you'll never know how big the world outside is.

Not necessarily.

How do you know that world doesn't lie in the future of Kjerag?

My dear Master Enciodes, do you really think that Victoria will allow you to develop?

Victoria takes pity on Kjerag at the moment, because you're too weak.

They will reap the fruit that belongs to them, when the time comes.

You're only 'developing' for their sake.

I've heard this many times, and my answer is the same as my father's.

We'll see.

Hah. Do you think you'll get the chance?

You're a long way from town. Even if your father realizes you've disappeared, it'll take a long time for him to find you.

No one will save you.

No.

You outsiders don't know Kjerag.

A lot of wild burdenbeasts live in these lush forests.

Before the people of Kjerag learned to domesticate them, this was where they caught wild burdenbeasts and tamed them. You're hiding in one of the old ruins that they left behind.

Burdenbeasts? What are those docile animals going to do?