Arknights story · Operator Records
Traveling Companions
In the wastes of Columbia, Ash saves a group of people with entirely different backgrounds who all long for the same thing, a better life.
1 scenes, 226 lines
1. Interlude
226 lines'Lord, I hope you're enjoying Ursus.'
'I've arrived in Columbia. It's an interesting place - the only word I have to describe it.'
'I've been thinking about a question that we've all heard of or thought about. We might just trace the value and raison d'être of a good many things back to it.'
'Is the history that we're familiar with just a roll of the dice, or is there a degree of inevitability?'
'What would the world look like if we turned back the clock ten thousand years and allowed things to play out one more time?'
I think they've left.
How can you tell?
Footsteps.
I always heard at least one set of footsteps at the mouth of the cave, but now it's all quiet. Something must have happened.
How many days have we been in here?
I think this is day three.
That puddle reflects a little bit of sunlight at dusk.
Maybe most of the group left. What are we waiting for?
I've had enough. I'm heading out now.
We can cut the rope behind me. Let's get out of here.
There's at least a dozen of them, all of them armed. We don't even know why they kidnapped us.
At least they didn't kill us on the spot. This is our chance.
Maybe we should wait. If we get on the wrong side of them...
You can stay here and wait for death if you want.
Me, I'm going. Columbia is so close. If I'm gonna die, I would rather not die here.
Need a hand?
'It's been some time since we arrived in this strange world. I can't say I'm used to life here yet, and I'm sure the same is true for you.'
'But if you ignore the unfamiliar creatures for a minute, you will find this world more familiar than you might think.'
'It may sound strange, but this is where my mind is.'
'We should do what we can to understand it.'
From the tracks here, it looks like the main group left three days ago. Unfortunately, my car broke down the day before I ran into you.
It doesn't look like we'll be able to catch them.
Oh no! I knew they wouldn't wait for us.
Who would stop to wait when the wealth of Columbia awaits?
But we paid them. They didn't even try to find us...
The barrens are a dangerous place. They didn't want to linger, even for a day...
Life is about looking out for number one. We just have to live with it. Never, I say, never count on someone else!
I agree, and complaining won't do any good. We're on our own here.
According to the map, the closest village is about a hundred clicks to the south. We'll need to resupply there.
South? But we're going west!
An ancient eastern philosopher once said: need to save food for three months for a thousand-mile journey.
Food? Not money?
Never mind... anyway, we'll need to prepare, if we want to make it where we're going.
There's no time to complain. Put yourselves together; we're leaving.
Alright, one more time.
Your name is Erwin. You're a Caprinae, and you hail from Leithanien.
You're ruled by the Twin Empresses, and you have a lot of people who are skilled in the... Originium Arts.
Don't forget our proud musical tradition.
Your name's Nikola. You're from Ursus, and your race is Ursus too.
Yes. The name Ursus is feared by many nations, and by many of its own people.
Your name is Alicja. You're from Kazimierz, home to the famous knight sports.
That's right!
I have some questions about these knight sports.
These are corporate-sponsored fights to the death by hired warriors, forming an important part of the Kazimierzian economy.
The 'knights' competing in these competitions are considered stars, even heroes, and human life is a commodity.
That's what people who have been to the big cities say.
Strange, but not incomprehensible.
May I ask a frank question? You're clearly a skilled warrior, seeing how you saved us from those bandits.
But your knowledge about our lands seems to be rather lacking.
Where exactly are you from?
Pardon me. I come from a place that is, shall I say, pretty far away.
That doesn't really matter. She saved our lives; we should trust her.
We're in this together, at least for now, since we're going to the same place.
You said you were traveling as a group, heading for Columbia?
Victoria, Gaul... now Columbia.
Nikola, Erwin and I set out from a village in western Kazimierz, as part of a pioneer group.
You've heard of the Great Expansion, haven't you?
Great Expansion... yes, I've heard the word.
Of course you have! Even someone who hasn't heard of the Kazimierz Major must have heard of the Great Expansion! Who could hear the name and not feel their heart race?
Just imagine! Massive nomadic cities roaming the wilds, delivering supplies to farms and mines, showering you with money in exchange for goods!
Yeah! I heard that Columbia has endless expanses of land waiting to be cultivated. No one will take your lands from you, and everything you grow belongs to you.
You can have an entire farm, if you're willing to work hard!
Wait a second, brother. Where's your ambition?
A farm? Mines are where the real money is!
Excuse me. By 'mines', do you mean Originium mines?
Of course! What else?
But aren't they a source of infection?
And Catastrophes - nomadic cities can avoid Catastrophes, but not mines and farms. Won't that threaten your dreams?
Sounds like Columbia is telling you there's a chance to get rich here.
People from around the world risk their lives to help Columbia expand its borders, without the government putting any skin in the game.
You say such strange things...
Of course mining is dangerous - even a burdenbeast knows that. So what? Look at this thing on my neck. What do I care about danger?
I meant no offense. I'm not making any accusations. I'm in no position to do that.
Catastrophes are pretty low on the list of things that can lose you your farm.
You never know when a Catastrophe might take your farm in the barrenlands, but you know for sure that your lord will take your farm in Ursus.
You're right - we all have to try to survive.
And I hear you can have a good life in Columbia as long as you have money, whether you're Infected or normal, Caprinae or Sarkaz. Now THAT's what I call fair.
I never thought you Leithanians were concerned about these things.
The Infected are pests anywhere, it's just that Leithanien isn't so diligent about pest control.
But none of this matters once we arrive in Columbia.
You're right. Everything will be fine once we get to Columbia.
Have any of you ever been to Columbia?
No.
Never.
Don't worry, we've all heard the stories.
I saw a movie about a poor Sargon kid who made his fortune in Columbia!
The Columbians have no taste in music, but that movie thing is pretty interesting.
Yeah, interesting. I think I've seen that movie before.
My father went to Columbia...
I got a letter from him a month ago, saying he's settled down there, and inviting me to join him.
Your father's in Columbia? You never told us!
I-I still can't believe it... he left home so many years ago. Who knows how long it took for the letter to reach me from Columbia...
Ah, now I get it!
Someone knew your dad got rich in Columbia and hired people to kidnap you for ransom! Everything makes sense now!
Ah, so we two poor sods got dragged into the mess of a rich man's daughter?
Think on the bright side, brother! This proves that you really can strike it rich in Columbia!
Y-You're right!
Are you sure that's what happened?
Of course it is! What else could it be!
Looks like getting kidnapped wasn't such a bad thing!
Sister, we've been through hell together. You should tell us what your dad does once you find him!
That's right! Let's share the wealth!
A-Alright.
What about you? Why are you going to Columbia?
Excuse me, may I look at the map?
This is... yes! It must be! This hill! Right here!
See that? That's City No.9! Have you ever seen a nomadic city that big?
It'll be the center of a new Columbia-Kazimierz highway that will open up trade between the two countries - even the intercity net!
Columbian films will enter the Kazimierzian market, and the Major finals in The Grand Knight Territory will be broadcast in real-time in Columbia!
The stories are true!
It's so big...
I've never seen anything that big in my life.
It's a monumental landmark alright.
I'll work there someday. I'll make my own fortune. No one can stop me—
'Massive cities sail the wasteland under a setting sun, a scene surreal and awe-inspiring in equal measure.'
'But we all know that spectacular wonders are often built from mundane bricks, even downright ugly ones.'
'The glamorous surface always hides the same lies.'
'The eyes of everyone here are full of dreams, a kind of pure, naive passion that I've only seen in the eyes of the most loyal warriors and most innocent children.'
'But I don't know what awaits them ahead.'
'Or perhaps we all know how the story ends, because history has shown it too many times.'
Recoil will throw your aim off, if you're tense.
Relax. The key is in the rhythm of your breathing.
...
Very good. Line up your sights with the target, then squeeze the trigger.
Oh...
Does everyone learn to use this, where you come from?
No... we take up arms so others can lay them down.
I hope the day will never come when you have to take up arms. But if it comes, you'll be glad you learned this.
Crossbows might be more useful for you guys. I have a friend who would've been a good teacher, if she was here.
I know how to use a bow! I've even hunted with it!
I fantasized about becoming as skilled as the knights... but I gave up practicing after dad gave me a scolding.
Interesting. I had a similar experience myself, though I wasn't so obedient.
Choose your own way for yourself, when you start your new life.
We've got firewood. We can make dinner now.
...
...
Aren't you hungry?
These sandworm cans are the only food we have left. It's a little salty, but food is food.
I kind of like it. If only we had some rye bread.
No argument there... I'll have some. Food in this place is safe to eat, as far as I can tell.
...
It's... not too bad.
Mm... I feel so warm.
Hot food always makes you feel that things aren't so bad, right? Like there's always a way.
Of course. Columbia is a stone's throw away. Soon we'll be starting new lives.
Hear, hear.
Let's not forget this!
Booze? Where did you find it?
I grabbed a couple of things when we left that cave. Payback for getting us separated from the caravan.
Can't read the label though. Looks like it's in Columbian...
Nice! A drink is exactly what we need right now.
Too bad I sold my cello in Leithanien, or I would play something for us.
Didn't realize you had that up your sleeves.
What could be more shameful than a Leithanian who doesn't play an instrument?
Here's to music! And to the new cello that you'll buy once you've made your fortune in Columbia.
A drink, sister?
S-Sorry, I'm not much of a drinker.
Too bad. Not many chances to drink your fill like this back home.
Too bad, too bad. Well, brother, prost!
To a new life!
To Columbia!
Look at me, I almost forgot about the fraulein. Care to join us?
A short distance from the camp.
Line of sight isn't great. We should have made our move earlier.
Don't worry, they won't get out of the forest.
Careful. They might still be with the one who hit our camp.
We're ready this time. We'll make them pay.
Stay here while I scout ahead. If I get a shot...
...
Back so soon?
He's not coming back.
It was you—
Eat sh—
I'm not in a great mood today. If this is how you want to continue the conversation, I'm happy to oblige.
Why did you kidnap them?
Money.
Farms and mines always need new labor. There's always business to be done with pioneer groups traveling across the wasteland.
Why those three?
Those three? What are you talking about?
You killed our guys. We came after you!
...
What are you waiting for?
You won. The remaining supplies and ammo are yours.
Do it!
'I didn't write this to accuse. I'm in no position to do that.'
'As they say, you should not criticize someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes.'
'This is an interesting world, one that is different from ours. It is like a mirror, and we must reflect upon what it is reflecting.'
'I have learned a lot in this world.'
Where did you go?
I took care of a little problem.
I heard strange sounds...
But I can't sleep...
Well then, come sit with me and we can have a little chat.
I'm not sure why, but I feel afraid.
It's normal to fear the unknown. It's called caution, and it's a good thing to have.
What are you worried about, Alicja?
I'm not sure... the others are so excited for Columbia, and they can't wait to get there.
But the more eager they are, the more concerned I get. Can it really be as good as the stories say? What kind of place is Columbia, actually?
That's a good question, but the wrong person to ask.
I come from a place far away, you know that. I'm way less familiar with this land than you. We're going to learn about it together.
Let's see it with our own eyes. We don't have to blindly believe the words of others, or the experiences of the past. We'll observe and think.
But first, we'll need to get there. We need to keep walking.
Keep walking...
Keep walking.
If that's not enough to set your mind at ease, let me tell you a story.
A story of a place that's very much like Columbia...