milu

That's... er...

There's been reports of a very young Elafia girl who's been all around the northern villages of Kazimierz lately, looking for any leads on a specific group. Plenty of people have been picking up on it, actually.

The footprints left behind when tracking prey.

I wouldn't have made a mistake like that in the past... but I don't care that I have.

Who told you to look for me?

That'd be Rhodes Island. Just like I introduced earlier, Rhodes Island is a pharmaceutical company, doing business in all areas. They've been seeking all sorts of suitable talent, too, and they'd like to invite you to join.

A pharmaceutical company?

Did you drug me just now?

Only some nutritional supplements and a simple first-aid medication. I'm no Medic Operator. I personally can't give you any better of an examination, nor further treatment.

You look a good bit better now, luckily. Your injuries should be holding decently. If we want any further diagnosis, you'll need to come back to Rhodes Island with me.

To treat me. And you want to hire me.

Seeing as you've investigated, you should already know. I don't understand the first thing about medicine. The only thing I can do is fight.

So, what would a pharmaceutical company want a hired bow for?

Er... oh, boy, that one... er, like I said earlier, Rhodes Island does a lot of business, and frequently comes into contact with a lot of different people in a lot of different areas.

And during those contacts, we unavoidably run into some emergencies.

At times like that, we need people with special skills like yours, to help give Rhodes Island a fighting chance.

Whether person or organization, you have to have strength if you want to survive.

Right. I'm sure you can understand.

But my strength has other uses.

Do you mean those people you're looking for?

Yes.

Every day I haven't found them is one more day my footsteps will not cease.

I understand... I'm not too clear about your past, but it's a very common thing, isn't it? Just like us inside Rhodes Island. We've got scores of operators, all with their own differing and individual attachments.

Is that so?

We won't ever interfere in an operator's private affairs, and outside of missions, everyone has freedom.

Beyond that, when an operator needs it, providing aid doesn't go against our standards, Rhodes Island will provide whatever you want—medical service, crucial information, or necessary strength.

It's why a good few Operators chose to join Rhodes Island, really.

Then the people I need to find...

Can Rhodes Island help me there?

It's not my place to say anything else. Just, us helping you look for someone—that'd be more effective than you going it alone around Kazimierz, or even areas beyond, right?

Alone, you probably wouldn't hold out for too long. You're short on supplies, and you don't have any help.

I'll be honest, you're not in the best of shape right now. If you need to find someone, accomplish some goal, then first you need to ensure your survival, right?

How do I put it? In our world, if you want to get something done, even if it's as bare and simple as staying alive, a bunch of heads all together always beats one.

(Days with no help, only able to rely on myself to live... It's not like I've never gone through times like these.)

(The feeling of someone there to help... I can't deny... day in, day out, I miss it.)

(In that case, this should go a little quicker now.)

You're right.

Rhodes Island... a pharmaceutical company. Not out to do anything bad, right?

On that point, you can rest assured.

Alright. So long as you're willing to lend me more strength—

I can lend my strength to you.

I'll join.

That's wonderful, then! I won't ask for much more information. Once we get back to Rhodes Island, there'll be HR operators who'll check with you separately.

After all the red tape's done with, you can officially become a Rhodes Island Operator.

I think I can say it'll be a delight to work together with, er...? Um, what should I call you?

...Firewatch.

Past, present, future... no matter where I am.

Until I find every last traitor, until I fulfill my revenge—

This will be the only name I possess.