Esper Story: Xuan Pin

I'm concerned. You've been pushing yourself hard lately. I see you've been training and working overtime every day. I haven't seen you rest.

... Being lazy only leads to failure. It's something we must avoid at all costs.

Taking a breather once in a while is good for your body and soul.

How about going to the cinema tonight? There's a great movie that just came out.

Thank you, but I'm not interested in movies.

Besides, I still have tons of work to do.

There's always work to be done. Besides, this movie is about a military campaign. Considering what you said earlier...

Think of it as research. Learning about new tactics and strategies.

A military campaign? That does sound interesting.

I happen to have a few questions regarding famous historical campaigns I've read about. Perhaps this movie can provide a fresh perspective.

Great, I'll buy the tickets right away! Just remember the movie is fictional, so let's not set our expectations too high.

I heard that this movie is awesome. It got a lot of positive reviews. I'm sure you'll like it. Let me go get the tickets now.

The ending was amazing! The way the main character took care of the villain and how he managed to win the heart of the female lead... That was so cool!

Nonsense! The entire story didn't make sense!

The main character was too reckless.

It's just a movie, you know. People love seeing heroes taking on the world, defeating the villains, and saving everyone...

The main character actually caused more damage than the villains did during the big fight scene.

He was so cocky, not following orders and ignoring the bigger picture. If it were me, I would have found a way to minimize any collateral damage.

But... you also went against orders and acted on your own during your last mission.

... That was an emergency.

The situation was totally different from this movie.

Alright, I wanted to help you relax, but it seems like you've become more high-strung.

... What's that over there?

You shouldn't make that move. Your opponent will easily take your pawn.

Hey, little lady. Why don't you just be quiet and just watch?

You'll lose in 3 moves.

Don't jinx me!

See! You just lost.

Okay, since you think you're so good, why don't you try?

My pleasure.

Commander... It's time to go back.

Surrender now! You have no more moves!

Your strategy is so obvious. I can predict everything.

That was a better move, but that still isn't going to work.

Don't look down on me!

... *Snoring*

Not bad, young lady.

Come here again if you have time. Just don't be so cocky. You're losing next time!

Yes, I'll come back for sure. Hey, let's go.

Oh! Ah?!

Let's get back.

Yes, sir!

Today was pretty nice. We watched a movie, and I made new friends.

Made new friends? Ahem... anyway, I'm glad you're feeling better.

Thank you. Now I can continue my work!

Alright, you go ahead, but I'm not working overtime with you!

It's you again. You want to play with me today?

Yes, I'm here to challenge you again... You won't say no, right? I know I'm not as good as you...

No worries.

Checkmate.

Ah... I lost again.

You're quite aggressive and quick in your moves. However, you need to improve your overall control of the situation.

I always thought I was on the verge of winning, but then I ended up losing...

Don't give up. You're improving quickly. You'll become a great chess player very soon.

The other players don't think I have the potential to be good at chess. They always refuse to play with me.

But I see you play with them a lot. I'm a little jealous...

Are you from here?

No, I went to boarding school around here, so I'm familiar with the area.

Really?! So you went to the same school as me! Remember, during orientation every year, the principal would give a speech, but everyone just kept staring at his shiny bald head.

Yes, his head was so distracting.

Hahaha, that's right. You got distracted just thinking about it... Check!

I'm not distracted at all... Checkmate.

......

Fine, you win again. Let's call it a day, but just know that I won't give up!

Anytime.

I want to meet him. The guy who's managed to melt Xuan Pin's icy heart.

What are you talking about? We're just friends who play chess together.

Well, I can tell you've been pretty happy lately. He's got to be special to earn your recognition.

Yes, that kid's got some talent, for sure.

A kid, huh? Do you have a photo of him?

Why do you want to see a photo of him?

It's for your safety. This is a serious matter. Do you have a selfie of this guy or a group photo?

......

Maybe it's not necessary. Is this him? I found his Swiftspace through your account.

You're really skilled at this sort of thing... Scary.

Look, Commander, something's been on my mind. I'm not sure if I should mention it.

Just tell me.

Your friend is really handsome.

What are you talking about? He looks like any other chess player.

That's because you don't pay attention to how people look. Here, check this out... he's been posting about you.

"I'll definitely defeat her next time!"

So what? He's never beaten me. It's only natural for him to want to win.

He keeps playing chess with you even though he never wins...?

My gut and years of watching romantic comedies tell me that he has feelings for you!

What?

W-We're just friends who enjoy playing chess together. There are no romantic feelings between us.

You both share a common interest. You continue to play chess with him even though he always loses. He never gives up and keeps challenging you.

Look, Commander... These things happen. It's only natural.

You need to be prepared, though. If you genuinely have no romantic feelings for him, you should be ready to reject him when the time comes.

... Yes, thank you for your advice. If that's his intention, I'll politely reject him.

There's something important I wanted to ask you.

I understand that you might say no, but I still want to ask anyway. Please give me a chance.

Uhhh... I don't think I...

Just let me finish. I've loved playing chess since I was a kid. I've even approached several grandmasters and asked to be their student, but they all rejected me.

You're the most skilled chess player I've ever encountered. Your passion for the game surpasses anyone that I've ever met.

I sincerely hope you might consider accepting me as your student and teaching me how to play this game that we both love!

?

... Is that all you wanted to ask?

Yes! I swear I'll work hard, and I won't let you down!

I... ah... believe you have tremendous potential. You'll become an exceptional chess player even without my guidance.

You don't require a mentor. Just continue refining your skills.

You really think I have talent? I-I'm so happy to hear that!

You're right! I should have more faith in myself!

Please let me continue playing chess with you!

Ummm... sure.

Great! I'll see you next time!

I don't know why, but I suddenly feel super annoyed right now...

Why are you eating OmniMunch again...?

It's simple to prepare, and it provides a well-balanced meal. It's perfect for an energy boost.

We eat only to survive. I don't want to waste my time cooking and preparing a meal.

Come on, it's the weekend. Let's go grab something good to eat.

I know a popular local restaurant. Why don't you come with me?

No, if it's popular, that means we'll have to wait in line.

Don't worry, I've already made a reservation.

You told me this was a popular restaurant.

It's strange. It wasn't this empty before.

Good evening! How may I help you this evening?

Hi there! I couldn't help but notice that the restaurant seems to be quite empty. Did something happen?

Yes, business has been slow recently... This place was originally opened by my mentor. A lot of our customers came because of him. Unfortunately, he had to leave for his wedding.

He left me the restaurant and even shared his secret recipes with me, but I've not been able to recreate his signature dishes in the same way. Our regulars have noticed and stopped coming.

It seems... the restaurant may be closing soon.

Really?! No way! This is my favorite place to go to on Fridays!

Well, I've tried everything.

I followed my mentor's recipes exactly, but I simply couldn't replicate his exact flavor.

......

Can you show me the recipes?

What? Why, Commander?

In theory, if you follow the recipe exactly as it says, you should be able to recreate the flavor.

All we need to do is examine every step and find out what went wrong.

You make a good point... but...

Well, let's see... shredded pork with green peppers...

Let's begin with the ingredients. The fattiness of the pork and the type of pepper used will impact the flavor of the dish. To replicate it, we need to make sure they are exactly the same.

Let's not overlook the spices used and the exact frying temperature...

I assure you that everything is exactly like what the recipe said. How about we make the dish now?

Sure, I wanted to order this to begin with.

Here you go, shredded pork with green peppers.

Well... It looks to be the same and smells very good.

How does it taste?

Hmmm... there is a bit of a subtle difference. I think it's lacking something.

I've never tried it before, but I noticed a problem just now.

What is it?

It seems your wok is brand-new. Did you get a new one recently?

Yes, this wok was given to me as a gift by the previous restaurant owner. Do you think...

Cooking sometimes requires heat and temperature balance. Would a new wok affect that?

Let me try cooking with the old wok!

Yes, give me that!

Oh! This is it!

It tastes a little different, but it's very close.

I did it! The restaurant is going to be saved!

Remove any external factors and rely on your knowledge of the recipes. You've got this dish down, so now it's just a matter of letting time do its work.

Look at this.

This dish is a Tangton specialty. The wok is of great importance. A new wok needs to be personally used by the cook for a while before it can be used to cook for customers.

You should be able to use the gift the last owner gave you in time, but before that, just make sure the previous wok does the actual cooking

Thank you so much. Now that I can replicate his flavor, please come to my restaurant much as you want!

Thank you for your offer, but I prefer to stick with my OmniMunch meals. They're nutritious and save me a lot of time.

I knew you were gonna say that!

Good to see you again, Deputy... Oh, sorry. I should call you Commander now.

Long time no see.

Still want the usual?

Yes.

You look tired. Something on your mind?

Nothing special. I'm just overwhelmed with work.

To make sure the city is safe, we are continuing our upgrades to Raine's Wall. How's business since you relocated here?

Not bad. The rent is a bit higher, but we're managing to keep the place running.

Sorry... I wish I could be more helpful...

The number of residents who needed to be relocated was only half of what was initially anticipated. It was the best I could do.

It's okay. Everyone will find a new place.

......

Commander, you're carrying quite a burden, aren't you?

So far, the situation is going smoother than I expected.

Here, we benefit from the protection of Raine's Wall and a thriving tourist industry. The cost of living is higher, but it's still manageable.

Although there have been some changes, the majority of people seem satisfied.

After all, it's not easy to find a safe haven in this day and age.

Still, I'm worried that the same thing might happen again someday.

What if the situation worsens? What if sacrifices have to be made? I thought I could find a better solution.

But... even as a commander, I still can't change any of this.

Just relax, Commander. You've done a great job already.

We've seen the changes that were made here over the years.

You're only focusing on the problems. You've overlooked the number of obstacles you've overcome and the meaningful things you've done for everyone.

Raine's Wall remains a solid defensive barrier for Utgard. As long as this place holds, we feel secure.

You're just saying that.

No, I mean it.

Don't get discouraged. You need to relax and celebrate what you've accomplished. Have a drink.

I still don't think I've done enough.

Perhaps that's what being a commander is all about - forever shouldering all the responsibility of this place.

People like me only worry about the simple things... What time do we close today? Should I take a day off? You know, the basics.

......

Thank you.

Don't leave just yet. This one's on me. Here, give it a try. It's something special.

It's... strong.

It's the taste of the Raine Tundra. I used to serve this drink to the former commander.

......

So I guess you might like it too.

He said it reminds him of Raine in the summer. The lush green grasslands, the snow-covered mountains...

......

Let's drink to Utgard!

Let's drink to Utgard!

I wasn't sure if you would accept my invitation. It's truly an honor to have you, the commander of Raine's Wall, visiting the Golden City.

Thank you for your hospitality.

If my memory serves me right, this is the first time the three of us have dined together.

......

We should assist and uplift one another as women. The future of Utgard rests on our shoulders.

Indeed, time flies by so quickly... The Utgard we see today is quite different from the one I remember from my past.

I recall the days when my neighborhood was rife with violence.

That's right, my foster mother used to remind me never to go out alone at night, or I may not make it back home.

Ironically enough, I found myself in the unexpected position of working as a dancer during the night.

Utgard has become a more lawful city. This is a good change for everyone.

That's why I'm intrigued to meet the individual responsible for bringing about this change to the city.

I'll take that as a compliment.

In my experience, if you're too reckless or too stubborn...

...this city will teach you a hard lesson. You either tame it, or it tames you, much like you and Raine's Wall.

That's an interesting comparison. However, I never sought to tame Raine's Wall.

I only wish to stop the Miramon from attacking us. That is my sole duty.

I admire your courage, but that is a very challenging task. Even the former commander failed to accomplish this...

At least he tried. Before the dust settles, no one can know if their decision is right or wrong.

Well, you better not say that to Mateo. After all, he always thinks he's right.

I've heard a rumor that you're still in contact with Mateo after all that has happened. Is that true?

No, it's not.

How's he doing... I wonder

I'm curious to see how someone as proud as he would handle losing everything.

I don't know. Like I said, we haven't been in contact since he left.

All right, let's not dig too much into Xuan Pin's personal matters. Otherwise, she might not join us next time.

The dessert is pretty good today.

I knew you would enjoy it. No one can resist the temptation of a chocolate mousse with fresh oranges.

Xuan Pin, you've changed. You used to hate this place and socializing with people like us.

Yet now you're playing chess with Abigail. It's fascinating.

People change.

I'm the commander of Raine's Wall now. It's my responsibility to keep Utgard safe.

Maintaining proper etiquette on some occasions... is also part of my responsibility.

Like... now?

I'm only kidding.

I don't mind. After all, no matter what the occasion is, one can learn a lot from observation.

Oh, it appears we have a similar approach to learning.

Since we have so much in common, I bet we'll have a strong working relationship in the future.

Yes, having another ally is always more preferable than having another enemy.

Even if it's only temporary...

After all, as commander, if anyone dares to challenge our borders and engage in actions that are against the interests of Utgard...

...I will show them no mercy.

Hahaha...

Glad to see that we've reached an agreement, Commander. I believe that through our combined efforts, Utgard will become a better place.

To the safety of Utgard.

Yes, to Utgard!

To Utgard!