Arknights story · Operator Records
In Kazdel
Upon settling near Kazdel, the Mudrock Squad expressed a common wish: they want some beer.
1 scenes, 285 lines
1. Interlude
285 linesBob, I've given your generous offer in your last letter some serious thought. While I do appreciate your gesture, I won't be departing for Columbia just yet.
We've decided to stay in a settlement outside Kazdel for now, to give our legs a rest.
It's true, we came a long, long way—literally one foot into Kazdel before turning around.
We hesitated, pondered, even argued... but we could neither enter nor leave Kazdel. None of us can quite say why.
Perhaps I still haven't made up my mind.
Perhaps the changes in Kazdel haven't made it that much better.
Or perhaps most of us simply don't have it in us to start another long journey.
On another note, we have a favor to ask. It embarrasses me to say, and I'm unsure if this even falls under your services.
Since this might prove troublesome, please allow me to apologize in advance. All that said, if possible, my friends and I...
...would like some beer.
If a regular supply is unlikely, at least bring some for Sauin Day? We're hoping to join the costume parade and really need some beers for that.
*cough*, *cough*... Goddamn choking here.
You're wearing a mask.
Doesn't keep out dust. Go bother Liza if you must, Jürgen. She's covered from head to toe.
...
Mudrock, welcome back! Is the letter mailed? Can you say if we'll get the beer before Sauin or not?
Mudrock. The beer?
Mudrock?
There was no Messenger. I had to give it to the Rhodes Island Office, for them to forward.
That's gonna drag things out some more...
You can't find a single bottle of beer anywhere in Kazdel?
(Shrug) Why else would Mudrock write to Big Bob about it?
Dammit, no. We promised her we'd drink beer on Sauin, so we're getting it. We've got to do this ourselves.
Are you suggesting we... brew beer?
He's talking out of his ass. Like hell it's that simple to brew.
Oh, you'd know ass-talk, wouldn't you?
Brewing's not even that hard. Steep barley in water to get the malt. Then you mash it, lauter it, add the hops, and then let it ferment.
We have all the ingredients, except the hops...
We can look around. Brewing's easy according to him, right? He must know what hops look like.
I do, thank you!
But if you ask me, why are you all on board now? Five seconds ago you said I was talking—
Shut your trap, Jürgen, I'm gonna go tell everyone we're brewing.
You hear that, Jürgen? It's happening. You better hold up your end.
Aah, well, see, hahaha...
A few days later...
...No, hops are nothing like this.
How about these?
(Sniff) No. That's sourer than Homburg's socks.
Some place Kazdel turned out to—uh, I mean, where we're camping is insanely barren. You made it sound different on the journey.
But I don't... recall saying Kazdel was lush with plants.
Was it someone else who said that? I think it was by the Winterwisp Mountains, during a snowy night...
No, never mind.
No... You're right.
It was snowing that day and we were starving like mad, but the nearby villagers already picked all the wild radishes clean...
We were hungry and shivering in this rundown shack when Anya started it. She said at least Kazdel would have wild radishes. We then listed every nice place we could think of.
Lush hills, thick rainforests, fertile valleys cut with rivers... oh, and how could I forget, fields of barley and hops. That couldn't be Kazdel in a million years.
Jürgen, if you want to enter Kazdel—
Then I can, I know. But I rather not sneak down the streets like a rat.
Not it. No. Not it—
Haha, speak of the dev... *cough* delicious radish!
Are you sure they're wild radishes?
Yup, and as many as you want! I guess Kazdel heard us back then!
*Leithanian swearing* you've got wild radish, now just give us some hops for crying out loud!
Let's just keep looking—
Wait, Mudrock, hold still.
...?
Some kind of cone just fell on your head. I'll grab it, don't move or it'll fall.
Got it. Now, what are you... Let me take a whiff...
You're it, I think. This might just do.
Ten days later...
Mudrock, what brings you here?
Everyone wants to hear how the beer is doing, so I came to see.
It's doing, duh. It's fermenting.
It's insane to me that Jürgen's not a total write-off. He looks competent while he's malting and boiling. Fermentation just stumps him, though, so I have to step in.
I thought he was the only one left in our squad who could brew.
Hello? Forgetting someone?
Here I thought you forgot. Berry wine... That was years ago. We were still in Reunion, weren't we?
Mm. They called you Liza the 'Sugarlips' and 'Cherry Fangs'.
Hah! Guess it's all flooding back to you.
Liking my liquor on the sweeter side's no crime. How did 'Sugarlip' even stick? Am I that much of a sweet-talker?
Cherry Fangs, though, that was perfect.
Your teeth were constantly stained red with berries—I remember. Though you were always wearing a mask.
Hahaha, look who's talking.
You know, those times when we gave each other nicknames, joked around, and got drunk without any fighting sure passed quickly.
You decided to leave right around that time, right?
Mm.
At first, out in the tundra, Reunion felt like a house with a warm hearth. Like a... home.
But as time went by, it turned into a raging, charging tank, burning everything in its path: snow, trees... even the earth.
That's why, besides your usual Sarkaz pals, a few Ursus outcasts chose to tag along when you up and left.
And that's also why Leithanians like Jürgen and Anya chose to stick it out with us. Because of you.
...I'm sorry.
Nothing to be sorry about.
I know. You want Kazdel to be a home to us all, and yet we're not even getting into the city for Sauin fun times.
But so what? We're outcasts from our own homes anyway, right? Doesn't seem too bad to be permanent, unwanted guests at Kazdel.
I mean, we wouldn't even come to this Sauin thing if Anya—
*clicks tongue* Goddamn fermenter bin sprung a gas leak again. I'll patch it.
Crap, there's too much pressure!
I'll help!
No, we can't let any soil get in! Let me—
Goddamn homburg-wearing son of a bitch, couldn't find a worse bin if he tried!
Mudrock, are you—oh, you're okay. You're covered up even tighter than me.
Oof, it's time I get my own suit of armor. I'll start with the face. Maybe I'll just use Homburg's...
...
Mudrock?
It smells nice.
Now that you mentioned it... yeah. It does.
But—our ingredients...
Relax, we just need new malt, and I know Jürgen has a whole secret stash of hops. He can't hide jack from me.
Secret stash? What for?
You'd never guess—it's his pillow stuffing.
He sleeps like a log every night on it. Snores louder than an Originium buzzsaw.
Oh right. Want some berries?
Berries?
I traded for some from a caravan while buying yeast. Was going to brew berry wine after the beer fermented, but they weren't even sweet. Just good for eating.
As she speaks, the Ursus woman lifts a corner of her mask and pops a berry in her mouth.
Bleugh, no flavor at all.
I'd take the tundra's berries in a heartbeat.
Weeks later...
Sauin Day
Mudrock, the parade's starting soon. We'd better get ready. How's Jürgen and Liza's end? Is the beer done?
We'll find out very soon.
And just in case, how about Big Bob?
Still no word.
...Alright.
Why are you just standing there?
I'm thinking... about Kazdel.
What's there to think about when you're already here? Look, the big ol' furnace is right there.
But is this Kazdel... really the very same place we'd been heading for?
Clearly it's not.
A lot of it was Anya, you know, puffing Kazdel up to kingdom come as we went. Made me cringe to listen to.
But if Kazdel really was like that, I sure don't mind living in it for a few days—
Okay, let's get back to camp. I'm dying to drink some beer here.
...
...
...
...Did it not work?
Well, not exactly, it's just—how do we put this...
Don't bother, just show them our magnum opus. Here, try just a shot to start.
*chuckle*
You're laughing?
What else am I supposed to do? Cry? You think Anya wants to see you cry?
ANYA IS NOT—
'I'm the first of the Mudrock Squad to die in Kazdel. It is a comfort to die in my homeland. When I'm gone, please scatter my ashes into the sea—'
...
'...You're not really thinking of going to Iberia, are you? I've heard the rumors, and I refuse to become Seaborn food!'
'I'll settle for the next best thing. How about you place my remains in the Soul Furnace? That must be a first for a Caprinae, right—'
'Gosh, can't you guys tell when I'm joking? Don't tell me you were seriously considering going against all of Kazdel?'
'Okay, I'll be serious now. I hear there will be a costume parade outside the city during Sauin Day.'
'I want all of you to go. Go have a good time, see the sights, and drink some beer. Not that awful Kazdel moonshine, but real beer. And when you do, just take me along, and I'll be happy.'
...
'...All I did was mention beer, and now all of you are drooling? What happened to feeling sad for me? Mudrock, at least promise me you'll get these poor suckers some beer on Sauin Day, okay?'
'Yes, that's it. Laugh, laugh.'
'It's been so long since we remembered how to laugh...'
The Leithanian stares at his ex-Reunion squadmate—
—and abruptly snatches the drink out of Mudrock's hands, downing the vinegar in one clean gulp.
Jürgen!
Mudrock, it's fine, I'm great—*ghaack*!
I'm telling you, Liza. I'm going to Kazdel today, and I'll be there in the parade...
...Drinking sparkling vinegar!
The tense atmosphere instantly relaxes and pockets of laughter can be heard from the group.
Mudrock?
Jürgen said it. Let's pick up Anya, and our 'beer'... and go to Kazdel.
Shame, I thought we'd really get to drink beer. Any word from Big Bob?
It's getting dark. We can't afford to wait for him anymore.
Everyone, get yourselves ready. We're going to Kazdel now.
Today is Sauin. Since we'll be going to a costume parade, I suggest you all... erm...
Get creative.
I'm not sure if the other Sarkaz there will object to our presence, so, I'd disguise as close to a Sarkaz as you can to be safe.
The other Sarkaz and I will lead the way for you.
Look at my handcrafted fake horns. Aren't they just so realistic? Step up, step up, I'll crown anyone without their own!
You call this handiwork? I can't even get it on my ears!
My handiwork is just fine! It's not my fault your ears are too round!
What about me, then? I'm not sanding my horns! You don't know how much it hurts!
Costume, think costume! Just put on a hat or something and you're safe!
I hear some of the city folk dress up as Sankta too. Here, stick this halo on your head.
Liiiike... *Sarkaz swearing*, this thing glows HARD!
Look, it's Mudrock's gang.
They always have that many Sarkaz? Don't the horns on that one look... wonky?
And look at those horns poking out of the hat. That's a Caprinae for sure...
Hey, forget them, check me out!
Oh, we're getting to you. Tell me, what's a real Sarkaz doing with a HALO?
Isn't this all a bit too—
Nah, it's all good. If they got horns, then they're Sarkaz!
But she hasn't got—
It's called commitment! Sorry you can't appreciate an authentic Reunion costume!
You get it!
Here, take a swig, I guarantee it'll knock you off your feet!
Beer? Beer this bubbly? Damn, I haven't had a drink in forever, let me get a taste of that—
PWFFFT—that's vinegar!
*hearty laughter*
The Sarkaz who can't or won't enter Kazdel all seem to notice this ragtag band of misfits.
Given the limitations, most of the Mudrock Squad's disguises are far too easy to see through.
But on this night, everyone rather pretend that they don't know.
Just like they rather believe that these outlanders are the same as them, having come a long, long back home...
Back to Kazdel.
Hahaha... *burp*!
Jürgen, enough. Quit pouring vinegar down your stomach.
What's this about vinegar? If I say it's beer, it's beer!
Jürgen...
Hey, Mudrock! We're having a good time, right? Like Anya said?
Yeah.
What do you think, Anya? Is this what you had in mind?
...What's that?
We're... going to Kazdel.
It's fine, though. Even Anya said it's not worth it to go against the entire city just for her...
The Leithanian passes the urn to Mudrock.
She stands firm.
The night wind whistles around her, but she remains silent, like a boulder.
Kazdel doesn't just have to be where the Soul Furnace is.
The soils, the bogs, and the sands. Perhaps in those serene, expansive, and peaceful places, can we find our true Kazdel...
Our true home.
The group simmers down. Quietly, they wait.
Until Mudrock places the urn down, and murmurs faint words to the earth.
Until the earth tremors and the mud and rocks answer her call, forming a furnace roughly the height of a person, as they have done for Mudrock countless times during the journey here.
Until firewood is placed in the furnace and a modest flame is kindled, there is no wailing or bellowing—only the soft crackling of the firewood.
Mudrock.
Mudrock!
Is that you...?!
I didn't expect you'd be all the way out here. You sure gave me some trouble.
Nice seeing you again, Mudrock.
...Bob?! It really is you—you came!
I got held up a little on the way, but I made sure I got here just on time.
But your camp was empty when I got there, so I was worried something happened. Good thing I haven't lost all my skills from my bounty hunter days—
Bob!
Big Bob! You actually came!
I had to. The Mudrock Squad wants beer, and who am I to say no?
So you're... Big Bob? You brought us beer... for real?
Oh, are you the new guy?
You got it. Everyone, I give you, beer!
Bob's Farm special brew, brought to you by courtesy of the owner, and enough for the whole Mudrock Squad.
But judging by the mood, now's not a good time to pop caps?
Mudrock opens the urn and scatters the ashes of a warrior who has traveled a long way home into the flames.
Then, she takes a beer from Big Bob.
She pours the golden, foamy liquid into the furnace, causing a few cracks and bangs, echoing like the laughter of a friend who arrived too late for the Sauin parade.
(Sniffle)
Damn the smoke's choking, right?
...Yeah, and you all know how my mask... doesn't block dust.
...
Anya... Anya...
*hic*...
Sobs can be heard from the Mudrock Squad as the remaining paraders gather by the furnace.
Watching the dancing flames, each one reflects on those who should have been here but are no longer.
...Bob, got more beer?
Plenty more.
Gimme one! I'm not gonna let Anya drink the lot!
Everyone... come get your bottle.
Uh, if you have any spare...
Here!
My Originium refrigeration broke down on the road anyway! With this much to drink, the Mudrock Squad is gonna need all your help!
The cold beers work their magic, and the tears soon stop.
Stiff upper lips relax, and tipsy faces flush with red. Sobbing turns to singing, which blossoms into hearty conversations.
The aroma of hops drifts into the darkness, where the souls slumber.
Mudrock! If you can make shelters and Colossi out of earth, you think you can uh... *burp* make something... uhh... poetic?
Poetic?
Like—if you turn all this Kazdelian wasteland into soil so dark and rich you could drink it—that's right... turn it into a barley field!
Turn it into a berry orchard!
I vote barley field.
See—see!
Homburg, think carefully! The only thing Jürgen can brew is sparkling vinegar! If I get my orchard, I promise you'll have berry wine every single day!
BER-RY WINE! BER-RY WINE!
Bob, thank you. We couldn't have done this without you.
No. Something tells me, even without any beer to save you from drinking piss, it's still a cozy Sauin tonight.
Also, I'm sorry. I wrote before that I'd visit you in Columbia, but now you had to come to Kazdel first.
Nah, I kinda like it here. Columbia's got the wheat fields and the hops, but there's also the ATAO...
The... ATAO?
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Arts Units and Originium. In short, pesky taxmen who won't give me a break.
I thought about sending someone to deliver the beers, but I needed some time away from the ATAO. Plus, had to make sure nothing went wrong with the beers.
Besides, you did ask me for a sample of hops, right? Figured I'd just bring you a whole truck of beer.
But what will happen when you get back...
Who knows! Those hounds love to bite. They might have me arrested the second I'm back on Columbian soil! Haha!
Haha...
What about you? You and your crew gonna bunk here for good?
No. There'll be a day when we leave, when we resist.
Against who?
Ursus's lords, Leithanien's nobles... No, not just them.
Oh, music to my ears. Can you put the ATAO on your list?
(Smiles) Assuming we do go to Columbia.
But truth be told, it's a lot harder resisting the things you have to... than the things you choose to.
The two fall silent, while over by the furnace, the lively banter carries on.
But for now, at least, the fact that we're still alive, carrying our dreams and memories, and laughing from our hearts—it's our own, small way of resisting.
In our collective home.
In Kazdel.