Little Hero

Is that you, Garam? What are you doing here?

Oh, hello, Aldo. I'm not up to much, to be honest. I was just a little lost in thought.

Lost in thought? I swear you said the same thing last time. Then you said Humans and titans have the opposite sense of scale between the natural and artificial. Are you thinking something similar about that building across the shore?

Yes, I suppose I am. Do you know that building, Aldo?

The Tower Argentauri... The Alchemists' Guild, right?

So you know it? I should have known. You're the type to go anywhere, whether you need to be there or not.

Well, I can't exactly argue with that... But I did have a good reason. This time.

Is that so? I won't pry. In any case, the rumors of the tower serving as a headquarters for alchemical research appear to be true.

Now that you mention it, no I don't.

Oh, how unlike you. I thought you were the type to go anywhere, whether you need be there or not.

Well, I can't deny that. I guess I've just never got round to it.

I see. I've only heard rumors about it... But apparently someone studying the power of alchemy lives there.

Alchemy? As a titan who exists as one with nature, that must really grate with you.

No, there's nothing wrong with seeking such power in itself. I just pray that power doesn't come to destroy them. The reason I started traveling...

......

Huh? What's wrong, Garam? Why'd you go quiet?

There's one of them. But this sign seems so...blank...

What the! Didn't this happen before?

It's over there. I'll go on ahead!

I knew it! He must've sensed a monster's energy again! I'd better chase after him!

Take this!

Well?!

No way! How come that didn't do anything?!

Nrgh?!

This monster's super mean...

Leave.

Garam, that monster...

Must've gotten worked up, being away from its habitat. It'll have gone back to where it belongs now.

I see... The boy, is he injured?

Huh? What d'you...

Phew. Doesn't look like you're badly hurt. You're safe now. Garam chased the monster away.

Wha? Garam?!

Indeed. That is my name. We've never met before, have we? Why are you acting like this?

Y-You're...

You're the real Garam?!

And now he's gone.

But how come that kid knew your name?

Perhaps that merchant's been talking about me. In any case, we must go after the boy.

You're right. There are monsters all around. We've got to tell him not to come here alone.

He ran off toward a village I believe. Ratle, was it? Let's look for him there.

Oh! Over there!

There you are. So you came here after running off from Lake Tiilen.

G-Garam! What are you doing here?!

I ask the questions, not you. What in the world were you doing in such a dangerous place?

......

I hope you weren't up to no good...

It's not like that. Urgh...I... You saw it. I lost to that weak little monster.

There's... There's someone I've gotta beat. I figured I'd have a chance with that monster. I gave it my all, I really did. But, well, you saw what happened.

Huh... I understand. But if you do things that way, you'll get yourself hurt before you get yourself strong. If you want to get genuinely strong, you've got to start by building a proper foundation. Only after that should you leave the village.

Anyway, I've warned you now. Don't throw your life away.

Wait!

Will you let me be your disciple? Please? I just know I'll get stronger if I've got you to teach me.

I'm afraid I'm not really the teaching type. Sorry, you'll have to ask someone else.

But there isn't anybody else!

...?

Everybody talks about you, Garam. They say you're smaller than a regular titan, but you fight way braver than any other titan warrior... When I heard about you, that's when I decided I had to get strong.

So please, Garam! Pleeease, pleeease?

......

No fair! You really won't? I guess a scrawny little kid like me's not good enough to be your disciple...

You leave me no choice.

Wha?!

From the sounds of it, I'm the reason why you've been putting yourself in harm's way. Now that I know that, it's only fair that I take you under my wing.

Really? Yayyy!

Garam...

However, my training will not be easy. I will not tolerate you backing out part way through. Are we clear?

Got it! I'll give it my all!

Then let us begin our training right away.

Is there anywhere suitable around here, Aldo?

Hmm... How about Vasu Mountains? There's plenty of room, and all those steep paths'll give him a good workout.

Then that is where we shall head. Come along, lad.

*huff* *huff*

That's real fighting spirit you've got! You really sunk your teeth into everything he threw at you.

Well, yeah! I've gotta prove my worth as Garam's disciple!

You even managed to draw out the energy within you without being taught. Even Garam seemed pretty excited.

So what d'you think, Garam? Have I gotten stronger?

You show great determination... But you can't develop real ability in the span of a day. With persistent, diligent training, you'll start to feel the difference.

Really? Okay. I'll do my best!

That's the spirit. Keep at it, and after a few years...

A few years? That long?! Can't I do it in a few days?

A few days? Where'd that come from?

It's just... The reason I'm training...

Training?

Eeep... That voice!

Did you just say training? You crack me up, you really do!

Wh-What are you doing here?

Do you know this guy?

Yeah... He's the one I was telling you about, the one I've gotta beat. He's the biggest of all the kids my age!

You're the same age?! You really don't look it...

You really think a li'l wimp like you could beat someone like me?

Who are you calling a wimp? The kid's strong, and he works hard!

Works hard? Hahaha! That's hilarious!

What's so funny?

Looks like he ain't told you everything.

Just get to the point, if you actually have one. We need to get back to training.

That's what I'm tryna say. Ain't no point in training. This li'l wimp's moving soon, just to get away from me!

Th-That's not true! We're moving 'cause of Dad's work...

Oh, so you're not running away? Then why don't you show me how your training's gone?

Let's fight it out! Right here, right now!

R-Right now?

What's wrong? Too scared, li'l wimp? But you've been training so hard. Guess you're just not strong enough to beat me.

I... I...

It's on!

That's more like it! We'll meet at Zol Plains and...

Look out! Behind you!

Hm?

Pipe down, will ya!

Whoa... He defeated it with one blow?!

No backing out now. This is gonna be a good one!

Hahaha!

So that's the guy you want to beat?

Yeah... I knew he was strong, but I didn't know he was THAT strong.

I had no idea you'd be moving soon... But why do you want to beat that kid so badly?

Well...

It's so frustrating. None of my friends my age dare go against him. I thought that if I could beat him, when I'm the smallest, scrawniest kid around, then maybe they'd...

I understand. You were so eager for your training to yield results because you were running out of chances to fight.

Yeah...

But much as I hate to admit it, I'm nowhere near as strong as him. If I fight him now, I'm just gonna lose...

Are you giving up?

......

No way! I got trained by someone I idolize and I'm not wasting that!

That was the right answer. Now, let me give you some advice.

Advice?! Is it gonna make me win?! Tell me, Garam! I've gotta beat him, no matter what!

Is that so? In which case...

Stop idolizing me. That's the only way you'll win.

What?

Your duel is taking place in Zol Plains. Show me you're ready.

W-Wait! Garam!

Stop idolizing him...? What was that supposed to mean?

Listen, Garam...

That kid's respect for you seems to be what's keeping him going. Isn't it a bit cruel to tell him to just stop feeling that?

It is, I know. But it's him who's putting his feelings before this fight.

But...

Whoooaaa! D-Dinosaurs?!

Looks like we'll have to cut this conversation short.

Yeah, let's get a move on!

Oh no... How am I meant to get to him now?

I guess we'll have to take them on.

Wait! He managed to defeat a dinosaur way bigger than these guys.

Which means I've gotta...

If you really want to win, you've got to pick your battles wisely.

Garam...

I understand how you feel. So...

Why don't you let us give you a hand? Surely you wouldn't object to us fighting together?

Umm... Okay!

Great! Then let's fight together. We'll drive them away in no time!

Hurray! I did it!

But you've hurt yourself! There's no way you can fight like this...

It'll be okay... I'll be totally fine! We're nearly there, anyway. C'mon, we've gotta hurry!

Fine. But depending on how this duel goes, I may have to pull you out.

I'm gonna make sure that doesn't happen. So come on already...

Understood. Say no more.

Thanks, Garam. Let's go!

So you finally made it. I thought you'd chickened out.

Eh? Why d'you already look beaten up?

I ain't never fought with someone looking that worse for wear before. And what's with those guys behind you? They your backup or something?

We're just here to observe. Once you start your duel...

We shan't interfere. I swear on my titan honor.

Oh yeah? Then I'm gonna beat the living daylights outta this li'l wimp. Ima make you wish you bailed while you still had the chance!

Right back atcha! You've got no excuse for losing to me, not in this state! I hope you're ready!

Hyaaah!

It didn't work!

Ngh...

What's wrong? That all you've got?

Not yet!

All right! That body blow was way more forceful than last time. If he keeps this up...

Boooring! I'm gonna fall asleep at this rate.

No way...

You done yet?

I had low hopes for ya, but somehow I'm still disappointed. You're just gonna waste my time.

So lemme finish this with one blow!

This is what happens when you make me angry. Later! When you get to your new place, don't go picking quarrels with guys bigger than you.

Wait...

I must be dreaming. That was a clean hit. You shouldn't be able to stand...

My hero...

Garam...is watching me! I won't embarrass myself in front of him!

So this is some kinda weird teacher-student bond thing?

Well, now what? Just 'cause you've got yourself up, it don't mean you're suddenly gonna deal me any damage. How're you gonna win against me?

Ack...

Garam...

That was the right answer. Now, let me give you a piece of advice... Stop idolizing me. That's the only way you'll win.

All I can do now...

Is this!

Wha? Wait! You're running away after all that big talk?! You coward!

What's he up to?!

I can see him up ahead...

Oh. Looks like he's been found. We should go watch how this fight ends.

What's wrong, li'l wimp? You done playing tag?

......

You too scared to speak? Then let's end this!

Here I go!

Wha?!

Oh no you don't!

Oh no! They've both fallen into the water! We've gotta get them out, quick!

It's not over yet. Don't interfere, Aldo.

But...

I have faith in the narrow path to victory that he has devised.

Narrow path...?

Let go of me! Urgh! I can't fight and swim at the same time!

I'm never letting go! Aaarrrgh!

*cough* *cough*

*huff* *huff*

How could you? Now I'm soaking wet, too!

Shut up! You started it! You're the one who made me fall in the pond!

Wait, they're STILL arguing?

Garam, will you give me a hand pulling them apart? Otherwise they'll never stop fighting...

No, that won't be necessary.

You what?

Heehee!

Heheh...

Bwahahahaha!

Wh-What's going on?

You know what, you've gotten pretty good!

So have you! So don't go easy on me!

Course not! It'd be rude of me to slack off!

Some people just won't understand each other without fighting it out first.

Phew... I'm so exhausted now...

No way, that took it out of you, huh?

Actually, I'm pretty worn out, too.

That was an incredible fight. There's nothing more I can say.

Thanks, Garam!

Looks like that's that then. But you two are gonna catch colds if you stay out here any longer.

He's right. Health is wealth for a warrior. Let's go back to Ratle.

So today's duel was a draw. We'll have to settle this later. Make sure you get yourself stronger by then!

Of course! Our next fight's gonna be different, you'll see!

Heheh! Looking forward to it!

Your fight may have ended in a draw, but it seems you got a lot out of it.

Yeah! It took this duel for me to understand...

No one starts out strong... Garam, you worked really hard for ages, and that's why you're this strong now.

I wasn't blessed with a large physique, either. But...

No, not "but." That's why... Why I worked so hard to train myself. If you continue to train, you can get stronger, too.

I know! I'm still weak right now, but if you say I can do it, then I can do it!

But, Garam... You know how you told me to stop idolizing you? I think I get what you meant now.

It's a mindset I learned in order to defeat the opponents I need to defeat. Idolization is a feeling of envy regarding something you don't have. You have to win with what you do have... And that feeling will only get in the way. You have your own strengths. Which is why you don't need to idolize anyone.

Nope! I'm not gonna stop idolizing you!

What?

You said me idolizing you was "NV" or something. I don't really know what that means...

But to me, it's an aim. Which is why I'm not gonna stop idolizing you! Someday, I'm gonna be just as strong as you are!

Heh... You've chosen a different path to mine. Well, perhaps that is also a valid approach...

In which case, I'm sure you shall be a worthy opponent someday. When you are all grown up, let us meet again.

Yeah, let's do it! I feel so proud to have my hero tell me that! Thank you, Garam! I'll have gotten so strong next time we meet!

I'm looking forward to seeing that kid grow up. You'd better watch out, Garam.

I know... I'll have to work even harder from now on. I don't want to lose to him.