The Courier's Victory Condition
Candle Square training grounds.
We'll start with a simple sparring session today.
O-okay!
I handed Vera a wooden sword.
Eeeh, a wooden sword?! Isn't that going to hurt?
You'll go easy on me so don't worry...?
Ooh... o-okay, I'll try...!
Then let's do this...!
I thrust the wooden sword toward her chest.
N-ngh...!
Vera hopped back lightly to avoid the strike.
Not bad. Quick reflexes.
Now let's see how you counter!
Hyaaah!
Bring it on!
With a bold shout, Vera...
...threw her wooden sword!
Vera?! Where are you going?!
Huh? D-didn't you say I should act as I would normally?
Well, if you meet someone scary swinging a sword, you run away, Captain!
...That's fair, but still!
Get back here!
Okay...!
This time, try countering for real.
Counter... hmm... so that's what it means.
All right, I'll give it a shot!
Let's give it a go!
I swung horizontally this time, at about the same speed.
...Hah!
Vera crouched down to dodge...
...and flung sand straight at me!
Agh! My eyes!
...That was a practical move.
But why did you run again?
W-well... counters are meant to stop the enemy from chasing you, right...?
And once they stop chasing, you use that chance to escape!
...Not entirely wrong, I guess.
To Vera, fighting meant avoiding danger and getting away.
A wise approach, but there are no points for running away in the Journey trials...!
So, you're not interested in winning fights?
Huh? But I've been winning all along!
A courier wins if they make it out alive with the cargo!
That's the motto of hazard couriers!
Alive... with the cargo?
That's right!
If you're alive, you can always try again another day!
Alive...
With the cargo...
...Captain?
Why are you handing me this backpack...?
Hold onto it for a second.
It's my precious cargo.
Huh? Oh, okay...
I handed Vera the backpack and had her stand in front of me.
After counting to three...
I suddenly snatched the cargo!
Huh?!
Ah, I-I didn't mean to...!
C-Captain?! Are you okay?! Captain!
Ugh... my gut's caved in...
That was one hell of a headbutt...
I think I've found the secret to unlocking Vera's hidden strength.
Better... make use of it... in training...
P-please stay with me, Captaaaain!