Liberi Reader

We'll be safe after we enter this tunnel. At the other end of this tunnel is Mt. Mortica, which won't have very many bounty hunters.

As for that Skadi... I used to scoff at those rumors that described her as a living avalanche. Turns out, I learned the truth today.

I was expecting her to be a bit stronger than your average shmuck, but those rumors turned out to not be exaggerated after all.

No wonder why the guys at the bar always looked at me like I'm crazy when I laughed at them for being terrified of her.

Now it's my turn to be terrified, hah.

It's true! I heard those same rumors going around in Rhodes Island too.

I've also never been sent on a mission with her before. I knew that she was really powerful, but I never expected this to happen...

I didn't even know that she was a bounty hunter before.

She's one of the most infamous bounty hunters out there.

Now that she's also after the treasure, we're going to have our work cut out for us.

I have no idea if the two of us will be able to beat her to it.

If that's the case, does that mean my village...

Don't worry. I think she'll drive the rest of the bounty hunters away.

Though... she might destroy a few villages in the process.

Ugh...

I don't think she's here for the treasure. I can't let something like that happen.

So, your Rhodes Island or whatever, will hire just about anyone?

No Rhodes Island operator would ever harm others recklessly for their own selfish gain.

Hmph. Well, you seem nice enough, and even did me a favor. However, the fact that your Rhodes Island is enabling Skadi, an entity who knows only destruction, makes me question whether your organization truly seeks to help the Infected.

Furthermore, as someone stricken with Oripathy, I've never seen Rhodes Island do anything to help those like me. We're still abused wherever we go.

Big Bob...

What, got nothing to say to that? Honestly, I have no idea why you have so much faith in an organization like that.

As far as I can tell, their claim of wanting to help the Infected is just lip service. In the end, all they see is money.

Hmph, what's the deal with Rhodes Island anyway? In this world, there's nothing that speaks louder than the coins in my hand!

Sorry...

What are you apologizing for? You're still a kid, and you still can't tell between ideals and reality, nor do you know your worth. But all of this is perfectly normal.

No, that's not what I meant. I know that I'm still lacking.

It's just that... whether as a police officer, or as an operator, I've met a lot of Infected.

...I wasn't able to save them all, because I was lacking.

Rhodes Island is the same.

In other words, they're useless? Hah!

That's right. When the Infected were slaving away underground, locked away in remote places, or being killed for no reason, where was Rhodes Island?

Even when we try our hardest, we sometimes still come up short. That's true for both me and for Rhodes Island.

Despite that, I'll never give up on any innocent Infected who I see.

Rhodes Island is the same.

Tch.

Sorry, Big Bob...

...I told you, you're just a kid. What good does it do to hammer you with my grievances?

But that Skadi, your coworker, would not hesitate to point her weapon at you, or abduct Carol to seize the treasure.

Can you say with confidence that someone like that would share your ideals and work with you to help the Infected?

I don't know what Skadi plans on doing, so I can't answer that.

However, I trust that if Rhodes Island took her in, then she must have her reasons.

You can forget my rambling then. I overstepped my bounds.

It's okay.

Anyway, our priority right now is to help Miss Carol find the treasure.

I'm just dead weight now, with this injured leg. Heh, I never thought I'd be the one burdening two little girls.

Big Bob, we'll only consider you a burden on one condition...

...and that's if you don't plan on sharing the treasure with us.

Oh? Hahaha!

Mister Bob, I wasn't disgusted by your condition. It's just that... I was a bit scared.

I'm from the sticks, and I haven't seen many Infected people. But even I can tell... that you've endured a lot of hardship.

I apologize if I was rude to you before.

Don't worry about it. Heh, as long as we find the treasure and you get me my share, I'll be a happy camper.

Mhm... The treasure is important to our village, but we only need enough to resolve our problems. Mister Bob, you'll be able to get your fair share.

That's why Grani and I need help, and will aid you as well.

Right, Grani?

Of course. In any case, we need to get moving soon.

Our next destination should be Mt. Mortica. That mountain was named after some knight who died long ago.

If my intuition is correct, then that should be where the treasure is located, right?

However, there are a lot of caves up ahead. It'd take an average person weeks to search them all.

Of course. That's why we can't do this without you. There's no way we're going to hand you to that red-eyed woman.

Please lead the way then.

Sounds like a plan.

Wait a moment.

There's some movement near the tunnel's exit...

Aaaagh—

Someone... help... save me...

It's... the Infected...

...What'd you do to him?

I didn't even do anything. He just tripped over himself...

Huh.

...

They're... from Reunion?

You guys...

Big Bob, what are you doing?

These guys aren't your ordinary...

Say no more. We're going to have to fight!

...

Quick, capture them before they get away!