Lingering Rain

...

Well, well. After the Sentinels of Juntian came knocking last time, I tightened security and upgraded the alarm. And look who we've caught. What a rare visitor.

...I'm not here in my capacity as a Magistrate of Yingtian. I have urgent information for Su Yi and Vita. I'll pass it on, then leave. No trouble beyond that.

You think the Outer Peaks is your own back garden, somewhere you can just saunter in and out whenever you like?

After all that mess, you've got the nerve to stroll in as if nothing ever happened. Don't ask me for permission, ask your dead Shifu and Shimei if they'll let you.

, Then I'll say yes on their behalf.

...You!

What, my word not good enough for you? Go light some incense at my Shifu's grave and ask him yourself then. If the old man climbs out to stop it, bristling and glaring, then fine. We'll do it your way.

But if the grave stays quiet? Then save yourself the trouble. We wipe the slate clean. How about that?

...Hmph. If you're set on shielding him, have it your way. But if anything kicks off, you'll be the one answering for it.

...Kezhou. Thank you.

Listen to you, why so formal with me? Shixiong... you're finally back to visit!

Yuming, weren't we meeting at the arena tomorrow morning? Why are you here at this hour? What happened?

Your concern was well founded.

That's... Qingluan Type Ⅱ? What happened to it!?

After today's incident, Qingluan Type Ⅱ was kept in the arena storeroom for inspection. Someone broke in overnight and sabotaged it.

With the Nine Chapters of Dafeng in reform, the new laws aren't in force yet. The Bi'an act on instinct, letting them enforce the old punishments now would only deepen the unrest. So Taihao recalled them for the time being, leaving enforcement to the Magistrates of Yingtian. Someone took advantage of that gap.

The storeroom isn't a sensitive site, so security was light. When I sensed something amiss, I followed the disturbance and pursued the intruder, but I was too late. They got away.

Ooh... this is bad. Really bad. If my great-aunt finds out, she'll be devastated. She treasures those mech-birds more than anything.

And you've still got matches tomorrow, what if this gets in her head and throws her off her game? Alright, here's a thought: we make up an excuse, and I take the blame. Say I was training, got careless, and ran my sword right through it.

...Lying to cover a lie is not wise.

Relax, shixiong. You know what they say, in for a penny, in for a pound. I've made her mad plenty of times before. One more won't kill me.

That won't be necessary.

Su Yi... you heard everything?

You were loud enough. Hard not to hear.

Must've been that lot from earlier. They thought this would scare me off.

What they didn't count on was this: I was going to strip Qingluan Type Ⅱ down and rebuild it into something stronger anyway. Their little break-in just saved me the trouble of dismantling it myself.

When you're strong enough, an enemy's petty tricks don't matter.

Su Yi...

Alright. I'll be up all night rebuilding Qingluan Type Ⅱ. You two get some sleep. Good night.

Whoa... did you hear that? Something's off with my great-aunt. What exactly happened earlier?

No wonder she's acting like this...

Realisation can only come from within. She has to come to it herself. Anything we say right now won't get through.

Given how relentless they've been, damaging Qingluan Type Ⅱ is likely not the end of it. I'll continue the investigation. Vita, you should be careful too.

Right. I'll go tell Zhiliu so they can stay alert.

Mm. We don't have enough information yet. We watch. We wait. And when they move again, we respond.

Vita, you've done enough for one day. Get some rest. Save your strength for tomorrow's matches.

Shixiong, you're finally back to visit!

...I was asked to assist them during the Incense Proving. I can't leave halfway. After what happened at the arena, I owe it to Vita and Su Yi to see it through.

Some things are hard to say out loud, huh? I get it, I get it. My bad, I'll down one as an apology!

Shixiong, listen, yesterday, out by the gates of the Outer Peaks, I saw a big red fox dash past. That coat, slick and glossy as lacquer! You reckon it could've been Little Tangerine? The one we used to feed?

Oh, and there's more! Last month I was dead asleep when a bolt of lightning came down, straight into the bamboo grove where we used to practise swordwork! Tell me that's not uncanny!

And you know what? After the bamboo went down, the grass and flowers around it grew back thicker than ever. The scorch mark's still there. Come on, I'll take you to see it!

...

Morning... I'm so tired.

Su Yi... are you okay? Those eye bags are really bad!

I was up all night refitting Qingluan Type Ⅱ. Don't worry, pulling an all-nighter is normal for a Construct Artificer.

What matters is Qingluan Type Ⅱ. It's upgraded.

Tabethe!?

Heh-heh~ Gave you guys a good scare, didn't I?

Didn't expect Miss Perfect Su Yi, high and mighty and all, to fall for something that basic. Still half-asleep, are we?

Wh, What are you doing here? And where were you during the last match!? We couldn't find you anywhere!

Ugh, don't even get me started... Some street-food stall was running an "Ultimate-Spice Showdown". Said there was a big prize if you nailed it. I thought, how spicy could it be? So I tried it.

Halfway through, I had sweat, snot, and tears running down my face. My stomach felt like it was on fire. Took me ages to recover. I'm never underestimating Huaxu chillies again...

You're kidding... That's why you bailed on us!?

Yeah. Like you lot were any better! You ditched me without a second thought and ran off with that weird guy in black, he looks like a crow!

So! As punishment for ditching your teammate, I'm cheering for the other side today! Woo! Go on then, you can do it!

You're the one who ate yourself sick! How is that our fault?

...Enough.

Su Yi?

There's nothing to argue about.

I'm not wasting my breath on people who aren't worth my time. I'll let my results speak. Come on, the match is about to start.

"People who aren't worth your time"? Who are you talking about? Wait... hey! Say that again!

...What's her problem today?

Self-check complete. Offensive Combat Mode engaged.

This proves nothing... Qingluan Type Ⅱ, increase output.

Command confirmed. Output set to maximum.

Not enough... higher.

Warning: Risk of component overload detected.

If that's all you've got, then how am I supposed to... Higher!

...Su Yi, that warning sounds serious. Are you sure this is safe?

Don't worry. I built Qingluan Type Ⅱ. I know what I'm doing.

Warning. Warning. Power overload.

...

Warning. Warni...

Qingluan Type Ⅱ!?

Hi! We're here to sign up for the Incense Proving! Whew... we aren't too late, are we?

Don't worry. You've still got an hour before registration closes. Please sign here and fill in your team name.

Team name? Oh no... I totally forgot! We've got to come up with one right now.

How about Team "Huge Tentacles"? Sounds awesome, right?

Your taste is just as dreadful as ever... Let's call ourselves "The Artificer's Masterpiece".

Pfft, that's so lame! Your name isn't any better!

...Vita, you decide.

Little Minion... doesn't this feel familiar somehow?

Maybe humans are just wired to do the same thing over and over... Right, let's see. How about...

Minions? No way. Demon Tabethe the Red Hand isn't anyone's minion!

Hmph! The Lunos of Huaxu line up to serve under me. Just don't come crawling back when all the spots are filled!

Ahem... how about we pick something else?

Mm. That's a good one. Let's go with it.

Sorry to keep you waiting. Here's our registration form.

Let me check... Ms Su Yi, Ms Tabethe, and... Vita. Wait, am I seeing this right?

...Are you the young hero who helped put the Nine Chapters of Dafeng back on track during the turmoil in Haojing?

As you Huaxu folk would put it... "Indeed, this unworthy one."

So you're a big deal around here? Who'd have guessed that!

Heh. Since you were there yourself, that saves me having to explain the whole backstory.

Thanks to the reforms you helped set in motion, people are starting to rethink what ordinary folk are capable of.

That's why this year's Proving encourages contestants to take up arms and deal with the Bi'an still running rampant.

So... it's a contest to see who takes down the most monsters, yeah?

Not quite. Most Huaxu folk have never so much as held a weapon, so a pure test of martial skill would be too much.

This year's theme is "Rivalry". Think of it as a treasure hunt: the arena is dotted with caches, each hiding valuables inside. Different treasures grant different Civil Tokens, while defeating Bi'an earns Martial Tokens.

There are five rounds in total. At the end of each round, we tally up each team's total tokens. Teams that place high enough advance.

To win, you'll need to hold off the Sable Bi'an while gathering enough treasure.

Any questions about the rules?

Wow! I was just trying to help someone out, and I've lucked into something this fun!

Bury treasure and let people dig it up? You Huaxu lot must be loaded. Seriously... you just throw money around, don't you? Hee-hee... time to get rich!

Ahem... I think there's been a misunderstanding. The "treasures" are provided by an anonymous Starweaver for scoring purposes only, and must be returned afterwards.

Yeah, yeah. Borrow it, then "return it". No need to explain, I get it. Wink wink~

...Are you quite sure you've understood the rules?

Don't worry. I'll keep her in line.

Tch. Boring.

Good. That's reassuring.

The event will begin shortly. Let me know when you're ready. Best of luck to you and your team.

Ready to enter the arena?

Mister, tell us more about the story of the Four Drifters! I wanna hear the rest!

All right then, when we last left the Four Drifters, they'd sworn an oath of brotherhood by the river: young, proud, and burning with ambition. Who could've guessed...

Well, I never... The world's gone to the dogs, people are actually making excuses for Drifters now. "The Four Drifters"? Don't make me laugh.

Sir, we don't even know each other. You can't just barge in and heckle me mid-tale... that's hardly decent.

Decent? And you think it's decent to stand here peddling lies and misleading people?

Those four Drifters rerouted a river to douse a censer that had been burning for a hundred years, then torched six archive halls to the ground. Do you really believe not a single soul was harmed in the process?

They hung wenzhu fronds outside people's doors, then ambushed them and left them bleeding. They call it vengeance, but did everyone who died at their hands truly deserve it? Who gave them the right to sit in judgement and mete out retribution?

And that giant mech-bird out in the wilds, you've seen it, haven't you? That leviathan fell from the sky, smashed through embankments, and flooded farmland for miles. Whoever was behind it, "malicious" doesn't even begin to cover it.

Drifters? They're nothing but a pack of thugs, all in cahoots with each other!

That's a load of rubbish!

The Miemeng Giant Bird was built to clear waterways and improve irrigation, to help people, not harm them. And it didn't crash because of its creator. Someone else brought it down!

You don't even know the full story, so stop mouthing off and dragging their names through the mud!

Heh... So I don't know the truth, but you do? What are you, one of those Drifters?

(This is bad. If they realise who Su Yi is, someone's bound to make a fuss and land us in trouble...)

Oh, of course. It's all hearsay, isn't it? If it's all made up anyway, then it just comes down to who tells it better, so why don't we make it a storytelling contest?

Oh no... what if my story's rubbish? What if the audience stops liking me? No, no... I'd better go practise in front of a mirror. Right now.

...What's he talking about? Is he right in the head?

Who's there!? Who dares imitate my voice!?

Hee-hee... Look at this man, can't win an argument, so he starts snapping. What a clown!

You...!

Mum, come look! That man's arguing with himself!

...Huaiyuan, more people are gathering. Don't make a scene. You'll draw too much attention and spoil the plan.

...Hmph. Forget it. The Proving's about to start, I've no time for this. Let's go.

I'm sorry, Vita. I... I lost my temper.

That Miemeng Giant Bird he mentioned... it was built by my aunt, Su Muzhe.

She devoted her whole life to the craft of mechapuppetry, helping the people of Huaxu. And now, even after she's gone, people are still spreading rumours and smearing her name... I just... lost it.

It's all right. I get it. If I were in your shoes, I'd have done the same.

...Vita. I'm glad you're here.

Hey~ What about me? Don't I get a thank-you for bailing you out?

I gave that bloke a piece of my mind, then followed them and nicked something interesting from their bag~ Wanna see?

Tabethe!!! We agreed on three ground rules, remember? No stealing, not even from bad people! You don't get to break the rules whenever it suits you!

Huh? I just helped you out, and this is the thanks I get? That's cold! I'm hurt, you know.

I don't know how you slipped past the Nine Chapters of Dafeng's notice, but the Bi'an and the Magistrates of Yingtian aren't the kind you want on your tail. If they catch wind of you, you'll be in for it.

Hee-hee... so you're just worried about me! Relax. Demon Tabethe the Red Hand has her ways.

Are you sure you don't want to take a look at what I stole from them? It looks an awful lot like your mech-bird.

...That's...!

"Tabethe, no stealing!" who was that just now? And now you're not yelling at me anymore? What's that about?

Not now. We've got a bigger problem.

Every Construct Artificer leaves a signature in their work. I can tell at a glance... the mech-kite you're holding belonged to my late aunt.

But how did it end up with them? And why were they carrying it around...? Maybe their hatred of Drifters isn't just talk. There's more to it...

Huh? So that means I helped big time, right?

Then I'll tell you one more thing. I just remembered, I ran into those people the moment I arrived in Huaxu, down at the docks. They were whispering about Drifters and all that, so... yeah. That's why I got the wrong idea about you.

Well? That's useful intel, isn't it? Go on, give me a proper compliment!

...Thank you.

Whoa! No way! Miss Stern-Face actually said "thank you"!

...Don't make it sound like I'm some kind of a monster! If someone helps you, you say thank you. That's just basic manners. My aunt taught me that when I was little.

Hmph. And there goes my thank-you. Didn't even last thirty seconds... Lame.

Right. Enough of that. Back to celebrating! We still haven't tried that food stall, or that one, or the one round the corner.

You two can go without me.

There's still time before the afternoon round. I want to take a closer look at my aunt's mech-kite and see if it tells me anything.

Besides, you've got my purse anyway... Just don't stuff yourselves so full you can't move this afternoon, alright?

Yes, Muuum.

All right. We'll meet up at the arena later.

Mm. See you there.

Hot off the pan! The Ultimate Spice Showdown, now taking challengers! Finish this bowl of dandan noodles and it's on the house! And you'll walk away with a grand prize!

A grand prize?

Hee-hee. You'd better keep your word, count me in!

All right! Coming right up!

Where's Tabethe? She's still not here!?

She ran off to buy something to eat a half hour ago, and I haven't seen her since... Want me to go look for her?

Go now. We'll stay here. Let us know as soon as you find her.

Time's almost up. Is your whole team here?

Wait! I read the handbook cover to cover, all thirteen thousand words. There's a clause that says if we replace a teammate at the last minute, we can get a ten-minute extension to enter. Right?

Heh. Not many people read the rules that thoroughly.

Yes, that clause is in there. I can grant you a ten-minute extension. But if your last teammate isn't here in ten minutes, we move on without you.

Where has she got to...? Honestly, she's impossible...

I could tell from a mile away someone was stalling and wasting everyone's time. Of course it'd be you. Small world.

Don't get your hopes up. The match is about to start. That "teammate" of yours has probably got cold feet and run off.

Says the one who ran off with his tail between his legs earlier.

Ran off? Heh. Su Muzhe's supporters really are just like her: twisting the truth to suit yourselves.

...Don't you dare say another word about her!

What is happening here?

...A Magistrate of Yingtian?

Yuming? What are you doing here? Are you here on official business?

No. Personal business. I am not here in an official capacity. However, if there is a dispute, I can mediate.

...It's nothing, sir. Just a few sharp words. No need to trouble you.

If no law under the Nine Chapters of Dafeng has been broken, then I ask you both to step back and let this rest. Is that acceptable?

It has been a while.

...

Little Minion, we've got a problem! Tabethe says her stomach's playing up and she can't make it...Huh? Yuming? What are you doing here?

I came at someone's request. You were short-handed, so I was asked to step in. For fairness, I will not draw on the power of the Nine Chapters. I will fight on my own skill.

Wow! Who's doing us that big a favour?

...Someone sent you? ...I don't need help. I can manage on my own.

Uh... Su Yi...

Sorry to interrupt. Time's almost up. Either replace your teammate and proceed, or withdraw. You need to decide now.

Waaah...! Why does everything go wrong all at once!? What do we do!?

Su Yi, let's get through the match first. We can sort the rest out afterwards, all right?

...Fine. Match first.

Yuming, thank you for stepping in. We'll be counting on you in the next round.

I will do what I can.

Didn't we win? Why's everyone pulling such long faces...?

I mean... sure, Tabethe stood us up, but do we really need to be this upset?

Su Yi. We had no time to speak before the match, but there is something I need to ask.

Earlier, when you confronted that man, you mentioned Su Muzhe. What brought it on? And... are you still carrying it with you?

He slandered my aunt. Of course I gave him a piece of my mind. What, have you got a problem with that?

I do not mean to pry. I only worry that scenes like that will draw attention to the Outer Peaks.

So you want me to keep my head down at a time like this? You're saying a Drifter drawing attention right now will bring trouble to the Outer Peaks?

Save it. I don't care who asked you to come. I don't need your help. If you want to say "let bygones be bygones" and go stand with the Nine Chapters, that's your choice. I can't.

...Su Yi. You've misunderstood.

It's stuffy in here. The next round isn't for another half hour, right? I'm going out for a walk.

Vita,, I'll see you later.

Aw... how did it get this awkward...?

Vita. There are misunderstandings between Su Yi and me. If I speak again, I may only upset her further. Could I ask you to talk to her?

Sure. Even if you hadn't asked, I'd have gone anyway.

Snow, you stay here with Yuming. I'll go find Su Yi and bring her back.

Alright. Don't take too long, Little Minion.

Little Minion, you're back! Ahem... and how did "the mission" go?

If it went smoothly, give me a wink. If you need me to step in... then shout, "All hail the Demon King!"

Snow... since when did you start speaking in riddles? Don't worry. Su Yi's calmed down. She's coming back to apologise to Yuming.

Phew. That's a relief!

Su Yi, didn't you have something to say to Yuming? Go on. He's right here.

I'm sorry, Yuming. You helped me when I was in a bind, and I didn't even thank you. Worse, I said some awful things... I'm truly sorry.

It's fine. Words said in the heat of the moment. I took no offence.

But there's something else I need to say. Even if you disagree... I still have to say it.

I won't give up clearing my aunt's name. No matter what gets in my way, I'll prove she wasn't wrong, and neither was what she stood for.

That much, I won't back down on. I'm sorry for how I spoke... but not for that.

Su Yi. Like I said, you have misunderstood me. I have never opposed your aim of clearing Su Muzhe's name.

And I have no right to stand in your way. No one understands the cost of giving up better than I do.

...Thank you for understanding. It means a lot to me.

Now that you know what you want, I will do what I can to help you win the Proving.

And me.

When we win, I'll be right there with you. Wherever your aunt is watching from, she'll know you're not alone. You've got us.

And of course the Demon King will be there too! My Little Minion and I have got your back!

Everyone... I'm lucky to have you.

All right, if I keep thanking you, it'll start to sound like we've only just met. Come on. Let's get into the arena.

"Aunt"...

Su Muzhe... the niece you never stopped talking about... she's all grown up now.

Clever. Proud. And... brazen, just like you.

And now, at a time like this... I've met her. Was this what fate had in store for us?

Phew... that's us done for today. Well done! If we keep this pace up tomorrow, the championship's as good as ours!

I'll help however I can.

Shall we start rehearsing your victory speech? "Hello, I'm Su Yi. I'm honoured to be here..."

Little Minion! You're finally back! Uh... something's not right out there...

What happened?

Hey, did you hear? They say a Drifter snuck into the competition. Is it true...?

A Drifter? One of those brutes from the stories, green-skinned, fanged, swinging a great club? And with Huaxu in the middle of all these reforms... you think they're here to stir up trouble?

Are Drifters really that scary? I've only read about them in novels...

I've heard some Drifters have done good too... but I suppose stories are just stories. I'd still rather not meet one in the flesh.

I don't know what's going on, but should we get out of here, Little Minion? Just... keep our heads down till this blows over...

Ah...! We're all good people here, sir! We didn't say anything!

No need to panic. Vita is an honoured guest of Huaxu, and her companions are likewise to be treated with respect. This is Taihao's will.

However, we must confirm: are you Miss Su Yi?

That's me. What's this about?

We've received a report that your mechapuppet may not comply with the event regulations. In accordance with procedure, we'll need to inspect it. Apologies for the inconvenience.

So she's the Drifter who slipped in...

She looks harmless... just some dainty young woman. And they're saying she's a Drifter? Doesn't look half as scary as the stories.

My Qingluan Type Ⅱ? Here. Take it.

For the record, I've read the competition rulebook. It's fully compliant. Inspect it all you like, just don't damage the frame. Every part is the product of a Construct Artificer's painstaking work.

Thank you for your cooperation. The mechapuppet will be held by the Stewards' Council and returned to you tomorrow morning, before the match. Please rest assured.

Compliant? Is that what you Drifters call it when you're trying to make something shady sound legitimate?

You again? Do you ever give it a rest? Tell me you're not the one who filed that report.

Heh. We've crossed paths a few times. I knew something was off. I thought your kind only had the nerve to skulk like sewer rats, slipping through the gaps in the Nine Chapters of Dafeng. And now you've wormed your way into the Grand Incense Rite? What are you after?

If no one had flagged you, you'd still be getting away with it, and everyone else would be none the wiser.

I've done nothing wrong, so I've had nothing to hide. I just didn't see the point in announcing myself to everyone.

Tell me, what did the Drifters ever do to you?

What did they ever do to me? You talk as if your kind's history is nothing. Drifters have a reputation for a reason. Want me to spell it out one by one?

The rumours people like you invent and spread? Repeat them a thousand times, what does that prove?

So this is the source of the disturbance, a dispute between competitors.

Zhiliu...?

...I heard the High Chancellor of Loongyuan took heavy criticism and has been forced to resign after the incident. This hardly concerns you. Or do you disagree?

Heh... I'm afraid you are mistaken. I may no longer hold that title, but I am the coordinator for this Incense Proving. As such, I have the authority to intervene.

I am aware of the concerns. Drifters are still counted among the people of Huaxu. The Nine Chapters of Dafeng have chosen to let the past lie. And absent proven wrongdoing, there is no lawful basis to bar them from the Incense Proving.

Moreover, Taihao has returned judgement to the people. So I would ask you to judge with your own eyes, rather than by rumour.

To accuse Miss Su Yi of ill intent without evidence would be unfair.

Hmph. True. I have no evidence. But we can't just let Drifters swagger around unchecked. If we wait until a crime is committed, the proof will be undeniable, and by then it'll be too late.

Mm. Your concern isn't unfounded.

Hey, why are you taking his side all of a sudden!?

The event's safety comes first. Any credible risk will be treated accordingly.

So, I must ask those involved to accompany me and cooperate with a formal inquiry. Everyone else, please remain calm. A statement will be provided shortly.

Miss Su Yi, I would appreciate your cooperation.

...Alright. Lead the way.

We can speak freely here.

My apologies. In that situation, I couldn't publicly vouch for Miss Su Yi. I chose the only course that would keep things contained.

S, So that's why you said that...! Then I... I got you all wrong!

...I understand.

I saw this coming. If they won't accept me, so be it. I didn't come here for acceptance. I came here to win.

Thank you, Zhiliu. You came just in time. You really saved us back there.

Heh... From the moment you registered, I've been keeping an eye on you.

This year's Incense Proving carries unusual weight. As the first Grand Incense Rite since the upheaval eased, it is meant to steady public sentiment and reaffirm the strength of "humanity".

For generations, the people of Huaxu relied upon Taihao's unchanging power. Now they must learn to look inward and embrace change. That is the purpose of this event.

Vita, I did consider inviting you to compete. Yet knowing how eager you were to return to Icelake, I chose not to impose. I didn't expect you to team up with Miss Su Yi... though I can't deny it suits my purposes.

Ah! So earlier, Yuming said he showed up to help us at someone's request. Don't tell me...

You were right. Proprietress Zhiliu requested that I come and offer assistance.

I ought to have clarified it sooner. The misunderstanding is my fault.

Public prejudice and hostility towards Drifters run deep. How to bring Drifters back into Huaxu is a matter we can no longer postpone.

For the moment, you are in the eye of the storm. Public feeling is volatile, and any word you speak will be twisted to fit whatever they wish to believe. For now, silence is the wiser course.

I will have an official statement issued once the inquiry concludes. With that on record, your participation in the Incense Proving should face no further obstruction.

...Thank you.

Heh. Think nothing of it.

That'll be all for today. Return and rest.

Vita, remain a moment, will you? There are matters I wish to discuss with you privately.

...

I confirmed the details with the Stewards' Council. The device detonated in an open area with few people present. There were no injuries and no property damage.

However, it was witnessed by other contestants, and it caused panic. As our team was clearly at fault, the match has been ruled a loss.

Miss Zhiliu intervened and prevented our disqualification. We remain eligible for the second chance round.

I'm sorry... It's all my fault.

Su Yi... we've still got the second chance. We can still win. You don't have to beat yourself up.

No. It's not about winning...

I was this close... this close to becoming exactly what they say we are, a Drifter who doesn't care if someone gets hurt because of us...

I was so desperate to prove them wrong... and I ended up proving them right. I don't even know what I was trying to prove anymore...

There you guys are.

Tabethe?

Uh... I came to apologise. About earlier.

I know you didn't ditch me. And this guy only jumped in at the last minute so you could stay in the match...

I was just winding you up before. I didn't mean to make you so upset.

Tabethe... it's not you. It's me.

Hey... Su Yi. Chin up. We're still getting up there to collect our prize together, aren't we?

And... look. I know you're not a bad person. I mess with you all the time, yeah, but... I liked you better when you had that swagger.

...The crowd is already in an uproar. We shouldn't linger.

Vita, I'll draw their attention. Stay with Su Yi and get her out first.

How did the Stewards' Council let something that dangerous onto the field...?

If that thing had gone off in the crowd... I don't even want to think about it.

If Drifters are all ticking time bombs like her, who's keeping the rest of us safe? Get them out of here!

Su Yi... don't listen to them.

...Okay.

The exit is just up ahead.