An Overbearing Fellow

49...

50!

Looks like he's trainin'... His form could use some work, but I can tell there's passion in his strikes! Is he one of this era's soldiers?

Yeah, I think he's from Miglance Castle. Though I hardly ever see soldiers all the way out here.

Phew. That should be enough spear practice for today. Next is...

Hahaha! You sure are workin' hard!

Huh? Who are you? Wait... You're Aldo, aren't you?! The hero who vanquished the Beast King!

Is this man your friend? He looks like one of the beastfolk to me with those horns...

I'm really not all that impressive... But yeah, this is Utpalaka. He's not one of the beastfolk. He's my friend, so you don't need to be scared.

Anyway, why'd you wanna come over here, Utpalaka?

Just can't help myself when I see such a passionate human! Are you trainin' for something?

I am. It's always been my dream to be a Miglance soldier. And now that I am, I want to make up for my lack of experience. I imagine you've done a lot of training yourself, judging by your physique.

Nah, my size's got nothin' to do with trainin'.

So long as I do my job, I just keep gettin' bigger. I think it's way more impressive to bulk up the old-fashioned way!

It sounds like you must do some heavy physical labor... In any case, you seem quite able-bodied.

What do you say to training with me for a little while?

Oho, well I won't say no to that. Sorry, Aldo. Hope you don't mind.

Not at all. You look like you're enjoying yourself.

I am! Well then, let's get to it.

Ready when you are!

Huff... Huff... You're...so strong...

Impressive. I could feel the fire in your attacks! But you're lookin' awful tired. You must've been trainin' long before we got here.

Indeed, I was. I went on a long run, did some resistance training, practiced with my spear, then defeated a goblin. I felt like it still wasn't enough, so I decided to do more drills with my spear, which is when you two arrived.

You did all that before taking on Utpalaka?!

Hahaha! That's incredible! But I think you should call it a day now.

No. Since you're here, I'd rather have another bout...

Nngh...

I had a feeling this would happen. You've clearly reached your limit.

How embarrassing... I have to get back to Unigan now, but in this condition, I...

Can't move, huh? Why don't we help you get there?

No, I couldn't possibly ask you to do that!

Don't worry about it! You're still young, we gotta make sure you're taken care of!

I apologize...and would greatly appreciate your help.

Then let's get going to Unigan. I know the way.

I can't thank you enough. Once I make my report, I'll turn in for the night. Though I do regret not being able to train more...

You wanna train MORE? I get that you wanna improve, but getting proper resting is important too.

I can appreciate your enthusiasm, though. Everything starts with that little spark.

There you are. You've been gone so long, we were starting to worry.

I still had some training left to do. And unfortunately, I wasn't able to accomplish everything I wanted...

But you already did so much. What more could there be?

I defeated one goblin yesterday, so I was hoping to take down at least two today!

Take it easy, soldier. There's no way you'll just improve overnight. Getting stronger takes time, and lots of it.

Yeah, and you look like you've worn yourself ragged. Your body will give out if you keep pushing yourself.

I know you're right, but still...

Hahaha! I don't see the problem!

I know they're right, but if I'm being honest... it's hard to find fault with that burnin' fire inside of you.

What? Why?

'Cause it's beautiful.

It is...?

Yeah. You're so passionate, you wanna get stronger as soon as possible. It's plain to see by the way you're trainin'. A day is over before you know it, that's why you're so desperate to get as much done as you can before it ends. I can respect that.

Utpalaka...

Please, let me call you "Master"! I've never met anyone who understands me like you do! I hope you'll train with me again tomorrow!

Well, how can I refuse now? I don't think I've lived long enough to be considered a "Master," but...I'll train with you, sure.

Thank you so much!

It seems you've made yourself an...interesting new friend. But he seems strong, so I'm sure he'll make for a good sparring partner.

Be that as it may, just please...don't push yourself too hard.

I look forward to training with you again today!

Same here. Why don't we head to the same place we were yesterday and...

An unknown monster has appeared on the Serena Coast! We've been asked to dispose of it at once!

Apparently it's not one of the beastfolk, but still incredibly strong. We need to get all the able-bodied soldiers together now!

The soldiers seem pretty panicked about this monster.

If you're going to go round up the others, I'll head over to the coast!

Huh? I appreciate the offer, but...you just joined the force.

We don't know much about this monster, either, so it's best if you leave this one to the more experienced fighters.

But I want to know what it's like on the battlefield...

Sorry, but that guy's right. It's too dangerous for you.

Still, I don't think there's any harm in goin' there. It's good practice for a warrior to see a real battle with his own eyes. And besides, we'll be goin' with you.

Really, Master?!

I can tell you really like this guy, Utpalaka. It seems like you can't say no to him.

Hahaha! Sorry, Aldo. But whenever I meet someone so pleasant, I wanna help 'em in any way I can.

Well, let's go then. I wasn't about to leave that monster to its own devices anyway. They said the Serena Coast, right?

Yeah. Wonder what kind of beast we'll be up against.

Is that the dangerous monster the soldiers were talking about?!

Dangerous is right! That's a dark dragon.

Sure looks dangerous. Seems to be some kinda dragon.

Hmph... Yeah, no era's safe from 'em.

Hmph... Yeah, looks an awful lot like the beasts I deal with.

Tch! It's so strong!

But if we don't stop it here, it'll go after the people of Unigan next!

They're in trouble... I need to help...

Wait. Don't tell me you're gonna join the fight. Even the more experienced soldiers are having trouble against it.

But I'm a soldier of Miglance too. I can't just stand by and watch as they struggle. Besides, I...I want to become a full-fledged soldier as soon as possible!

And joining this battle will help me get there, so...

Stop.

Master?

I won't let you do this. Wait here until it's over.

But why? You said you admired my enthusiasm, didn't you?

That's got nothin' to do with this. This is our fight, you got it?

Y-Yes, sir...

C'mon, Aldo. Let's get this over with.

Huh? Oh, right. Let's go!

Phew. Looks like that did it.

(Hm... Probably not a good idea to do any work here. Guess I'll have to take care of that later.)

That was amazing! You two were incredible out there!

I hope you learned somethin' after seein' us in action.

I did. And I promise I won't forget it! But... I need to know why you stopped me.

Huh? Why ask when you know the answer? I can't imagine you don't.

I want to hear you say it.

Hahaha! Alright, then I'll tell you why.

I need to return to Unigan and give my report on the monsters first. After that, I'd like to hear what you have to say.

Sounds good to me. It's probably best to let things calm down first anyway. Let's head to Unigan, then.

All right... I'm ready. You said the fire burning inside of me was beautiful, but still you stopped me. I know that it was dangerous, but I thought you of all people would understand my desire to fight.

While I agree Utpalaka was right to stop you, I'm honestly kinda surprised he did. And not only that... You were acting different than usual. You were so serious. It was almost scary.

Oh really? Didn't mean to frighten you! But I don't think it was unlike me at all.

My values are pretty clear-cut. I like people who're passionate and live life to the fullest. And that's why death is one thing I can't abide. Even if you push yourself during trainin', it's not like you're gonna kick the bucket. But a real battle's a different story.

......

No matter how bright that fire burns, it'll get snuffed out all the same if you die. And I can't let that happen. So even if you're desperate to prove yourself... I gotta draw the line there.

I...I see.

There ain't nothin' better than livin' every day to the fullest. But you gotta make sure that you live to see the next one.

......

I understand... I'll keep your words in my heart, Master. I'll work hard to be a great soldier, but won't let my light die out!

I'm sure you'll make it happen, so long as you keep on livin'.

You're a pretty good mentor, Utpalaka.

You think so? I'm honestly just livin' life as I please. That soldier actually reminds me of a friend of mine, so...I guess I couldn't turn a blind eye on him.

Yeah, I know what you mean. Wryz can be pretty reckless...

Oh yeah? Sounds like you've got your hands full.

The reality is, life is irreplaceable.

You probably know this since we've been to Purgatory together, but...even if you die, your soul can be reborn.

Did you know that even if you die, your soul can be reborn?

But if you think it about it the other way... only your soul goes on. If you're reborn, you become someone totally different. Your old body, name, memories... None of it remains.

......

You only live once! That's why I love livin' this one to the fullest.

Yeah, I wanna do everything I can before my time's up too.

Hahaha! That's the spirit! I know you can do some pretty crazy things sometimes, but... Just don't go dyin' on me, okay?