First Encounter
I was waiting for a Journey member at the meeting spot in the plaza, when a crowd started gathering for some reason.
Think there's work today?
If it's interior work, I've got the skills.
Just then, a truck sped toward us and screeched to a stop right in front of me.
Painting, sand hauling!
And as many odd jobs as possible! First come, first served!
Heck yeah, let's go!
Outta the way! I'm getting on first!
Wait, hold on?! I—
Hurry up! It's first come, first served!
You gonna take responsibility if I miss this gig?! Huh?!
But I'm waiting for someone...!
We've been waiting too! But for work!
Get in, quick!
Pushed into the truck by the crowd, I ended up at a construction site on the outskirts of town.
Hello! I'll be your site foreman today.
Before we begin, safety chant time! Everyone say it with me! Safety!
First! First! First!
I really need to get back...
Hey.
This your first time? What are you doing, just standing there?
The most important thing on-site is safety.
That's why the safety chant is sacred. If you get that, then join in. Right now.
...Hmm?
What's your deal?
Are you Marcille? The one I'm supposed to meet with today?
...Captain?
Ha-hah! This is ridiculous.
You got swept up in a crowd and ended up here? Is this some kind of slapstick comedy?
Well, I'm not one to talk. I got dragged here for the same reason.
You two! Do you know each other?
Perfect! You'll work together as a team!
Well, guess we don't have a choice.
Let's finish the job first, then talk. Got it?
Even though I got dragged in, I was assigned to on-site work anyway...
Wait, you don't know the right mix ratio for cement and sand?
...Oh. Right, you said it's your first time.
Step aside. I'll handle it.
Stop right there! You can't just hammer that in or the wood will split!
Blunt the nail head with a hammer first. Like this.
Got a torque wrench over there? You don't know what that is?
Forget it. I'll go get it myself.
*Sigh*
Go take a break. I'll finish this real quick.
Marcille went back to the site and finished the work by herself at an insane pace.
This is delicious! And free?! Amazing!
Only in NOA, huh? At most sites, you gotta pay for lunch.
Maybe I should tell Petra and Tanya to come work for NOA too.
Hmm?
Lost your appetite? Why did you stop eating?
I just feel like I haven't earned my meal.
Why are you stressing over that? It's your first time, of course you're slow.
And honestly, I'm just fast. Hard to keep up with, right?
Not to brag or anything, but I've been working on sites since I was a kid.
Since you were a kid?
Yeah... It's kind of a long story...
What? What's a kid doing on-site?
Did someone bring their little sister?
...What?! A kid?! Little sister?!
Hey!
W-what's with you all of a sudden?
You two. Were you just talking about me?
Are your eyes on backwards or something?! A kid?! Who are you calling a kid?!
...Marcille? Maybe calm down a b—
She's a feisty little thing for someone so short.
Ha-hah! Bet she can't get a boyfriend that attitu—what?!
Are you out of your mind?! You can't just swing a wrench at someone!
Calm down, Marcille...!
Let go! I said, let go of me!
Those jerks said all the things I hate the most!
Stay right there! I'm gonna knock your teeth out!
What's going on over here?!
The foreman rushed over and broke up the chaos, and Marcille got kicked off the site for swinging a wrench.
Tch! Oh, come on!
Anyone could see they were in the wrong! They were calling me a kid!
Those bastards... If I ever see them again, they're dead.
I'll beat them so hard, they'll be coughing up dust on a rainy day!
...Huh?
What are you doing here?
Go back. They looked short-handed as it is.
...Hmm?
You want to know why I joined the Journey?
Ha-hah! What kinda question is that?! Of course it's for the money!
They said you get financial aid if you make it through, right?
And it's great for building up your resume. That'll help with loan applications.
My dream is to start a giant carrot farm someday.
That's good enough, right? Now get going.
Oh, one last thing..
When you get back, take a hot shower before bed. Okay?
As I watched Marcille walk away, someone placed a hand on my shoulder.
What are you doing here? Lunch break's over!
Come on, move it! We're up against a tight delivery deadline!
After wrapping up the job, I was so exhausted that I passed out in my bed without even showering.
The next morning.
...
...My whole body aches.
That's when I remembered Marcille's advice about showering with hot water.