Want a Bet?
Clarissa's skill left nothing to be desired.
As a top sniper from the Canopus Rangers, her sharpshooting and superhuman vision spoke for themselves.
It was easy to see why she was chosen as a Journey member.
But...
I'm done.
My arms hurt. Guess I overdid it during the last training.
But we just got here.
We hadn't even been at the training grounds for thirty seconds.
Please, at least try to take training seriously...
That was the issue. Clarissa had the skill and potential to complete the Journey.
But for some reason, the moment training began, her motivation disappeared.
Ah, sorry. Really, I just can't today.
At first, it was fun since the training was different from what I had in the Canopus Rangers.
But now it's just the same thing over and over. I'm bored.
Then how about shield training today?
That's just mean, Captain. I said my arms hurt, and now you want me lifting heavy stuff?
O-okay, then what about reagent training?
Ahaha! That sounds boring.
...Yeah, yeah.
I get it, Captain.
You want to guide your Journey member the right way as someone who oversees the Journey...
But what should I do if I'm just not feeling it? Mm...
I just got a great idea!
Let's make a bet, Captain.
A bet?
That's right. We often make bets where I'm from.
We'd compete over who could hunt the most, or the biggest, toughest game.
But no shooting match. Because I'd win for sure.
Sorry to brag, but there's only been one person who's ever beaten me in a shooting match.
So let's bet on our training scores instead!
Whoever performs better wins. Loser does whatever the winner says, no questions asked.
For example, if I win, then you have to spend the whole day...
...
Why are you suddenly smiling?
Shall we begin?
Wait, what are the stakes?!
Well, at least she was motivated now.
Maybe all it took was a little competition to bring out her drive.
As the Captain, it's time to get serious.
Ahaha! Total victory!
Nice try, Captain. Now it's time to face the consequences of your loss.
Wait a second!
Huh? What's the matter, Caaaptaaaain?
Don't tell me you're trying to back out.
Didn't you say your arm was injured?
Clarissa and I had scored about the same through most of training.
But the last event, the punching machine, decided the bet.
And the supposedly "injured" Clarissa set a record-breaking score that clinched her win.
You're so gullible, Captain.
No real hunter shows weakness in front of their prey.
Unless, of course, it's just bait to lure them in.
Like betting on training with a so-called injured arm?
You tricked me! You totally tricked me!
Ahaha! Classic loser talk.
And it wasn't a trick, it was a prank.
You know, a little mischief keeps relationships running smooth, right?
Now, close your eyes.
Why do I have to do that?
Ahaha! If I told you, it wouldn't be a punishment.
Come on, Captain.
Close them.
I closed my eyes. I felt Clarissa's breath, then something warm touched my cheek.
This feeling...
A brush?
Ah! You opened your eyes! I was in the middle of painting!
You ruined it.
...Oh well.
Guess I'll just paint your whole face!
Ah, that was fun. Thanks, Captain.
Let's do this again if I ever get bored.
It's your job to keep Journey members focused on training, right?
Then, I'm counting on you again tomorrow!
I went to Candle Square to wash the ink off, but the water was out.
Did she plan for that too?
I ended up walking back to the inn with everyone staring at me.
...Thank goodness the ink was water-based.
Agh! I lost again!
You've really improved your shooting.
But I still lost.
...Just wait. Next time, I'm gonna win!
And I'll become the best hunter in the entire village! Ahaha!