Specialty Change: Rikoris

You're in a bad mood, so...does that mean there were no newcomers for the Spear Club again this year?

Everyone went to join the Magic Research Department or the Machinery Research Department, which I just don't...understand...

Why! Why does nobody like the spear!?

Do you...really not get it?

Do you? What is it then, tell me already!

Hmm...I mean there are many reasons. For example, magic and mechanical engineering have been booming recently in Reingar.

Of course I knew they were popular, but it feels like they've been getting more attention recently...

It's simple. The Machinery Research Department has Yuna, and the Magic Research Department has Tamarinne. Everyone wants to see them.

But most of all... The biggest reason is...

Everyone says that the Spear Club requires a lot of hard training, without actually learning anything worthwhile.

You're saying that what I'm teaching is...not...worthwhile?

Oops... I...didn't mean to say it out loud...

Ha...hahaha... Oh my! Look at the time! Sorry, but I've got to rush out now. I forgot I had a really important appointment. S-See you!

...

Thanks, Rikoris! Your help was vital to completing the mission successfully this time.

Why did you even take on all these tasks yourself? There's no way you could have finished them alone.

Hahaha, because I knew you'd help!

Azalea, I'm telling you now. This is the last time. I couldn't take care of the Spear Club because I had to help you with your Public Security Club work.

Hmm... I mean, why don't you just join the Public Security Club? Even Katis wouldn't mind having you in the club.

It's not like there are any other members in the Spear Club anyway...

Are you trying to say it's not worthwhile?

What? W-What do you mean? Of course not! I-I'm just...

Alright. I see how it is. Then why don't you spar with me. If I lose, I'll join the Public Security Club.

W-Wait! Give me a second. Why are we suddenly sparring?

Just because you're my best friend doesn't mean I'll go easy on you!

Let's stop. I told you already... You'll never beat me.

He's not putting his all into it because he's worried about hurting me... The worst part is, he doesn't even realize that himself.

How come I'm so...weak... I trained every day...

What have I been doing?

Bang! Bang, bang! Bang, bang, bang!

Hmm, alright. After I hit that target, I'll wrap up for today...

...

Rikoris?!

What were you thinking! I almost shot you...

...

Hmm...he looks down. He's never like this.

What's wrong?

Schuri... I...

Hmm... I understand. I've had days when I couldn't achieve what I wanted too.

So I know exactly how it feels.

But you always seem so confident, Schuri. Nobody would guess you have those days...

I'm satisfied with what I am now, but...to be honest, I wanted to join the Taranor Army.

Then why did you come to Reingar?

It's a little embarrassing...but I wasn't talented with swords or spears.

So I was frustrated for a long time. That's why I came up with a different method that works for me, which was...well, a gun.

I see. But...I don't want to give up on my spear.

Huh? Oh, haha. That's how you took it? You don't have to give up on it. I think you're talented.

R-Really? You think so?

Of course. I'm never wrong with this sort of thing. Although, maybe if you learn from someone else...

Why don't you apply for the Taranor Army yourself?

Huh? What do you mean?

The Taranor military have a lot of textbooks from many different countries and continents. They also have many great spearmen as well.

Don't you think you could improve your skills if you learned from them?

But... I've heard they don't just accept anyone.

Don't worry about that. I think I heard Sir Krau recently formed a new unit.

He said he'd accept anyone talented regardless of where they come from... I think you can make it.

Sir Krau... There will be so many talented people. I can't...

The expression on his face is completely lacking in confidence.

Hmm... I don't know if it'll help, but...take this.

What is it...?

Something Krau gave me for helping him. If you give him my name...then I guess he'll have to accept you. What do you think?

...Thank you, Schuri.

Hmm, this is familiar. I guess Schuri really did send you. How is he doing?

Y-Yes, sir! H-He told me to send his regards to you, s-sir!

Haha, there's no need to be so nervous. Why do you want to join us?

I want to be strong. No...it's more like I want to become the greatest spearman ever. So...

Hmm, the greatest...alright. Let's see how talented you are, then.

Try your best to kill me.

Excuse...me?

If you don't think you can do it, then you can go back to Reingar.

N-No, sir! Alright, then...

Hyaaaaaap!

Slash!

I-It wasn't even close... I'm...

...Great. You pass!

...What?

You see that soldier over there? Tell him that I sent you and he'll show you where to stay. Now, if I may excuse myself...

D-Did I really pass?

Why? You don't like it?

I do, sir! Th-Thank you! I'll do my best!

I haven't been able to find anyone decent recently...but it seems like Schuri sent me someone interesting.

Anyway... It's a shame that my new cape was ruined... I guess I have no choice but to buy a new one.

Oh, Rikoris. Are you training already?

Slash!

I finished practicing the high stab ten thousand times, as ordered. Now, can I finally learn Taranor spearmanship...

Hmm, well...before learning Taranor spearmanship, how about practicing the low slash ten thousand times first?

...

What's wrong? Are you tired? Go get some rest, then.

It's already been a month since I arrived here. And I haven't learned anything about Taranor spearmanship, or proper battle skills at all.

All I'm doing is practicing the basics in this empty training ground!

Why? Is it because you don't like me? Because I'm not from Taranor?

...

*clinking sound*

Are we sparring? Why did you suddenly attack...

Do you really think you'll get stronger if you learn spearmanship? Haha, you really don't know yourself.

...Here, read this. It'll help you a lot.

...

Sir Krau! Where are you?

Bye now! I'll come back at the same time tomorrow. No slacking, keep training until then!

Oh, wait... I remember you, you're the last one to join us. What was your name? Rika...

Rikoris, sir.

Oh, right. Rikoris from Reingar!

You're looking for Sir Krau? He hasn't come this way.

Oh, really? Hmm, then where could he be... He always disappears at the same time each day.

He disappeared in the middle of writing an important document, so I have to...

I see. I'll excuse myself now.

I was curious because people say Sir Krau chose him himself... He seems a little unfriendly.

Anyway, no one can enter without Sir Krau's permission... What was he doing here alone?

Is Sir Krau giving him some kind of special training?

If no one's going to teach me, I'll have to teach myself.

Rikoris took out "Taranor Spearmanship for Beginners" and an old book from his pocket.

Since I practiced eastern spearmanship last week, I'll practice Taranor spearmanship by myself this time. That'll show him!

...But maybe I should read that other book first?

Aaron Roheil's "The Supreme Spear"... What, this is just an old autobiography...

Wait, Aaron Roheil... That name sounds familiar... Isn't he the renowned spearman from Sir Krau's family?

I guess I'll give it a look... Hmm...

"The first step towards achieving great spearmanship is..."

...

Boom!

Huh? An explosion? Were we just attacked?!

Ack... Those sly Ilryos bastards... They waited until Sir Krau was away...

Hahaha! The Ilryos Ch, I mean, the Chaos Sect will bring new order to the world!

Ahem, I'll make good use of the Homunculus troops that you've been gathering!

S-Stop it... You can't let them out... Ack...

CRASH

The flag bearer and the guards... Where is Sir Krau...!?

Hahaha, it seems Krau is not here, I guess it's time to see if my training will pay off.

You must be the remnants of the Ilryos Church. What have you been getting up to while I was gone?

I'll put an end to this.

Hmph, you're just infantry. Do you really think you can stop me? Hahaha! How funny!

Hmm? Oh, haha, I forgot to introduce myself. Actually, I'm...

There's no time for small talk! If we don't stop them, then all the Homunculi will be freed!

Rikoris...? Hmm... Alright, did you finish reading the book I gave you?

...Does it really matter at this point?

It does. A lot. So did you or did you not?

Yes I did! I read it all!

Alright. At this point, since the flag bearer is down... I think we're the only two left who are willing to fight.

Now, here's your first mission.

I'll take the flag back and you'll deal with that moron. How does that sound?

I guess that's the only way to encourage them. Alright, then.

Hmph, what are you two whispering about? Are we going to fight or not?

Hyuuuuup!

Ha! Did you think you could beat me?

Ugh, my spear is broken...!

Your time ends here. Be honored, your sacrifice will be painless...

For the Chaos Sect!

Get yourself together, Rikoris!

Charge!

W-What is this power!

How stupid...did you really think you could learn spearmanship by reading textbooks?

D-Did you already know that?

Of course. I didn't say anything because you did everything I told you to...

Ugh...!

You came to save me...when you're already seriously injured?

Stop talking and...just take this already.

A spear with our flag on it... Why are you giving this to me...?

Because you're the only one...who can take care of him. But remember, there won't be many opportunities. Maybe one at best.

But... I can't beat him with my skills...

No, your skills are already flawless. So just trust yourself and the effort you've put in...

...

You'll know... If you read the book I gave you. The first step towards achieving great spearmanship is...

Huh? Where's the one who attacked me? Did he fall? Hmph, that's a shame.

"The first step towards achieving great spearmanship is...knowing and admitting your true self."

Huh? What are you muttering about now? Hahaha! Have you gone insane from fear...?

W-Wait, the look in his eyes changed?!

I've been practicing the same skill all this time...for this moment!

This is my...

Supreme Spear!

How... My sword and armor were broken with a single strike...

D-Damn it! This is outrageous... I can't die here!

Did I...really do it...?

Hahaha! See? I told you! Your skills are flawless!

Not literally...but almost, you know. Anyway, close enough! You'll be able to get better with my teaching.

H-How...? I thought you were dead...

What, me? Hahaha! You can't get rid of me that easily! Oh, wait, am I still wearing this?

Phew, disguises are always a pain. Now it's much more comfortable!

S-Sir Krau?

It's been quite a while since I left Reingar.

Did I make you worry, leaving you without a word? Please forgive me.

I've been through a lot over the last few months. Mmm, anyway.

Most importantly, now I know my true self and my skills. If I stayed in Reingar... I wouldn't have realized anything.

I want to go into more detail...but, umm... You'll see when we meet in person.

The people here say I've changed a lot. I'm not sure myself...

Oh, but I won't return for some time. I still have some tasks to complete here.

You know how hard it is for me to say no.

Stay healthy. And if you ever visit Taranor, please let me know.

Lastly...Adlay, Schuri, Azalea. I wanted to say thank you to all of you.

If it wasn't for what happened in Reingar, I wouldn't have been able to change like this. And...

I realized that I feel a little worried and lonely...without you all around me. We have always been together since we were young. So I...

H-Hey! When did you come in!?

Go on, finish the sentence. "So I..." What comes next?

Cut it out! Wait, why did you come all this way... Oh! The time!

That's right, you're late.

So I came here to find you. Who else would come but me?

...I'm sorry. I already screwed up on my first day.

Don't worry, it's alright. If I hadn't interrupted you too soon I might have seen something interesting.

...

So how does that sentence end?

It's none of your business.

Wow, so cold-hearted. Not that it matters, I think I know what you were going to write next anyway.

Do you...really think I'm the right person for this kind of important position?

What don't you trust? My choice, or...yourself?

Never mind. Let's go. I don't want everyone to hate me straight from my first day.

Alright. Let's go! Everyone is waiting for you, Captain Rikoris, leader of the vanguard.