Your files are all fully sorted. Hm? Was that fast? I wasn't dozing off on your last shift, after all. I have your whole workflow noted right inside my head.

Stop! You're triggering one of my traps. Move any further, and a bolt will blow your brains out. How could I fall asleep surrounded by traps? That's a strange question. I couldn't sleep at all without these little trinkets around me.

What we stole from the Leithanian nobles, they plundered from the land before that. We're the children of the wilds, but we are not unreasonable. Lungmen traders do good to others, and Siracusans keep to the rules, so I told my team not to lay a finger on them.

Is that Lee guy here too? He got me when I was careless, and now I want a rematch. No, no need to worry, none of the trinkets he carries interest me. You go tell him as much.

Infected? Only city people would call themselves that. In the endless and cutthroat wilds, whether beast or human, survival means you can call yourself the strongest.

There's plenty who think the wilds are a frightening place, but to me, they were my home. I made a mistake once. It torn my family apart, and these slumberfoots are the only ones left to roam with me. I'll never make a mistake like it again.

The name Blacknight was given to me by a Yan storyteller. I always used to do my work at night, pulling the floor from under them when those merchants were drowsy. Me and my slumberfoots would take away their wealth, and 'devour' their dreams too.

Don't act so nice to me... you never know when my crossbow will be aimed at your head. You don't believe I'm like that? Up to you, then. I've got no interest in dealing with a penniless good guy.

They called me their boss. So I protected them, gave them food and a place to rest. But now, for as long as I haven't beaten you, you're my boss. I'll protect you, and I'll follow your orders.

...Fell asleep hugging Helmet? Light, bring a blanket over. Keep your movements low.

You're the best tactician on Rhodes Island? I'm Blacknight, and excuse me but we're going to need a showdown. If I lose, you'll be my boss from then on, and I ask to be trained properly.

Mm, all memorized. Anything else?

You're not worried I'll take the bonus and run? I'm joking. For that matter, a badge like this won't fetch any real money anyway.

Work and earn a living. I wonder if my parents lived a life like this in Rim Billiton? It's fine, but I'm not letting my crossbow rust.

Good timing. I need something to do.

You want me leading? Then you'll want to watch how I do it.

Listen up, darlings. Once we're on the battlefield, you need to listen to the Doctor too.

You want to run? Before you do, remember to leave your valuables behind.

I'm right by you. Don't make a sound.

Understood. Just as planned, then.

I'm heading that way.

Let's clear this path up first.

Helmet, lure the enemy left!

Light, harass the closest enemy!

Cart, set mines in the bushes!

Drill, open a hole!

How'd me and the darlings do? No compliments for us?

Not bad! I've learned some more moves.

I'll take a few to the next crossing. We need to get this cleaned up.

No, you have to get out of here! Do as I said, or the enemy will have you trapped. We'll retreat for now and think of a better way to fight back.

Roaming under the night sky is just one hundred times better than getting shut in here.

Who was that?!

Tired? You can have Helmet to hug for a little bit, then. At least until tomorrow.

Arknights.

Well, New Year's today. Once winter passes, the caravans start coming again. If things were usual, we'd pull off a big job, and have a feast on the nobles' dime, celebrating all around. It's comfy times here, though, and I have no need for my old job. I wonder when I'll finally get the chance to bring those kids in.

Hey, Helmet, no running about in the corridor! Don't think I can't see you just because you're hiding in someone's arms... oh, fine, I'll let you off, for {@nickname}'s sake.

I still remember some of my toddler days. The fireplace at home. Mum holding me. The little handicraft beastling from my dad. That was my first home. Then I left the wilds, and lost my home again. I know there's no protecting who I want to protect yet, not before I get stronger. So, you're not going to stop me in my step. No one will.