Posts from 🍁Nine Ancient Obelisks Auto-translated

"I wonder if she has a sister named Cherry..."
- Well, thank you for your help with the questions. And I'll buy the interview, along with the diary, it will be useful for work. And also the cyclops for good measure, the name is very intriguing," the guy poured out the required amount of gems. - By the way, what prize do you give when buying a map?

In the restaurant, a rather unremarkable-looking man approached Genze. He appeared to be of middle age, although his eyes held the weariness of a ninety-year-old.
- Listen, kid, are you local? You're lucky. You were born and raised in a good country, unlike me. You know where I'm from? From the desert, ha-ha! - Despite the joke being accompanied by laughter, the stranger's eyes didn't smile; rather, they were filled with sadness. - Okay, bad joke. I haven't been very funny lately, and my thoughts aren't great either – all I think about is negativity. So, answering my own question, I'm from Kororat, in Marcella. Just north of here – I assume you at least know the geography of the neighboring countries. We were recently attacked by the undead from Haran. I managed to escape in time, but I lost everything. I'm practically left with nothing. - Realizing how that sounded, he quickly apologized. - Don't think I'm begging or anything. I just... you have kind eyes. I've been thinking about how my ancestors worked hard, toiled, and developed these lands, and then the Empress came along and destroyed the empire, and now we have to suffer. What was the point of it all? - He shakes his head. - But the worst part isn't that, it's everything in general.
The man shows a collage of two photographs.
- She's beautiful, isn't she? She's from Riedel. There are some problems there, and I have to wait two or three years to get the necessary paperwork to go there, which isn't an option. So, she usually swam to me, not the other way around... But that won't work now. I don't have a home anymore. And I don't have any money. I can't even afford to send a letter. But asking someone for money for something so personal... it's just awful. Lately, I just want to take a rope and... but I stop myself, thinking about her. It's just a paradox. - He sighs heavily, finishing his thought. - And why was I born in this wretched place? My life would be so much easier if I were from Asuguh.

-- I see. A couple more questions. First, a psychological one. Is it possible to force someone to obey who is already afraid of nothing and wants nothing?

And the second, a strategic-hypothetical one: imagine a situation where the enemy leader significantly surpasses you in personal power, up to some supernatural level, has a strong rear base and a fortified position, but does not surpass you in terms of the number and quality of soldiers. At the same time, time and initiative are on our side. How can such a superior enemy be defeated? What are some non-obvious weak points here?

Hmm... And does the newspaper coupon only give a discount on goods, or also on training?

And which ones can he take from the list?

- What interesting ideas! I hadn't even thought about adding to the gameplay, but it sounds great, thank you! - Catching a wave of inspiration, the girl nodded happily. - And I will definitely visit Onkaih.

- Psst. - As Asmidul left the store, a scruffy stranger grabbed his sleeve. - I have "special items" for "collecting"... Are you interested?

Ferrus loses 20 rem, but gains 3 books. - Secret.

Without even stepping through the establishment's doorway, Genz, with an impassive face, listened to the sad tale until its logical conclusion. After a few more seconds of silence, he took out a pack of cigarettes, offered one to the man, and lit one for himself. Holding the smoke in for about ten seconds, he exhaled it into the (post-)lunchtime sky and finally said:
- You've been through a lot. But we don't choose where or how we're born; anything can happen. At least you're not in the undead army, and you're not in the middle of nowhere in the desert, and you have someone to return to, - he nodded towards the portrait. - Yes, she's a good one. Maybe now is the right time to marry her, even if you've been putting it off. A wise man once told me: life is not a 100-meter sprint, but a marathon; the one who doesn't come first doesn't lose, but the one who doesn't make it to the very end. So, as long as you don't consider yourself defeated, you're still in the game, and sooner or later, you'll have a chance to make a comeback and get even. Our ancestors probably went through even worse things, - the smoke was inhaled again. - Did you go to the administration? Maybe they could help you there, even if only a little.

—No, thank you. —clearly avoiding the suspiciously criminal-looking individual, the guy just in case puts his hands in his pockets with his wallet and documents and continues on his way to the library.

—I'm Gen, —he nods. —And we have foreigners living here too, some of them are doing quite well. I won't tell you how it's all organized on paper, but maybe they'll come up with something. They might offer you some work, or arrange a place for you to stay, or at least send a message to your people. It's worth a try, it's better than aimlessly wandering the streets.

- Come on, don't be like that, - the suspicious character follows Asmidul, - I have everything in order, nothing that you might suspect, I swear.

- Hold on a second.

- I have something that's worth a look... So, you just came out of the dungeon, right? Yeah, I saw you, so there's no point in denying it. Anyway... I have some great photos of the owner of that place. Did you see how cute she is? I'll sell them to you for ten rem.