Operation story: MN-2

Operation

Story

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Characters
Maria Zofia ??? ??? Bald Marcin Greatmouth Mob Old Craftsman Old Knight ??? Plastic Knight Fan Tourist
Backgrounds
1 2 3

Before operation

“

Maria's reputation has attracted many opponents. In this battle, she faces the great vanguard of Roar Knightclub, "Plastic" Szewczyk.

”

<Background 1>
Plastic Knight	......
[Mob approaches Szewczyk.]
Greatmouth Mob	Well, look who do we have here!? If it isn't the rising star of the Roar Guards! You made it here early! The audience's still outside, and there's still two hours until the first event of the day. Getting yourself ready for the fight?
Plastic Knight	It's been a long time since the last time I fought in this kind of arena... It brings back memories.
Greatmouth Mob	Right, I'm curious. I mean, your title's "Plastic", and it's one of your main selling points... But aren't you already at the top of your knightclub's rankings after last month's competitions? What do you need to push yourself so hard for?
Plastic Knight	...It's what my sponsor wants. Nothing I can do about it. I had to cancel my holiday for this.
Greatmouth Mob	Oh, you're after that, aren't you?
Plastic Knight	Did you have to ask?
Greatmouth Mob	Oh, I hit bullseye, huh? Guess we have something to look forward to today...
[A male Kuranta wearing formal attire approaches Szewczyk.]
???	Certainly, we have something to look forward to... However, before that, please allow me to have a chat with Mr. "Plastic" Szewczyk, one-on-one.
Plastic Knight	And you are...?
???	I work on the Major's preliminaries. Here is my business card, Mr. Szewczyk.
Plastic Knight	...You "work on" them, huh? What do you want?
???	I'm merely here to inform you of this. The Roar Guards Company has requested that you wear its latest Jack 2 model body armor in your one-on-one match, or "duel" as it is more commonly called, with Maria Nearl, and to prolong the match for as long as possible.
Plastic Knight	What? But the materials that went into the new armor isn't meant for competition use—
???	No matter. The Nearls' comeback has attracted countless press to today's events. This is a perfect opportunity. They've already made a significant investment to secure that long term trade agreement. They merely needed a gamble of reasonable odds. A test, and also a publicity stunt. For your services, the Roar Guards' publicity department has also promised quite a significant down payment... Three times your post-tax total income last year. With just this one match, Mr. Szewczyk, you'll be earning enough to buy out an entire village in your homeland.
Plastic Knight	...Do they really have to go that far?
???	The exposure and publicity are just secondary objectives. They'll become the talk of the town. This, along with the profits the Major will bring in, will give the Roar Guards more of a... yes... more of a say at the General Chamber of Commerce. After all, having a voice at such venues is very important, wouldn't you agree?
Plastic Knight	If it's what my sponsors want... and there's money in it, who am I to complain?
???	Your assistance is much appreciated. We know very well that you, too, have some special needs... Oh yes, have you met the Nearl family's youngest daughter yet?
Plastic Knight	I've seen her debut match. She's not bad, but still a disappointment compared to the Radiant Knight. ...Are you worried that I'll lose?
???	No... The thought never crossed my mind. Pardon me. We've already sent a brand new set of equipment, along with a list of all the necessary precautions for the new armor, to your residence. Please...
Plastic Knight	......
<Background 2>
Old Knight	...Did you all have to start hanging out here this early?
Old Craftsman	What? There's just an hour and a half left until Maria's match! It's her first bout since her intensive training! There's no way I'd miss it!
Bald Marcin	Hahaha, well said. Everything is on the house today.
Old Knight	*Sigh*... What a ruffian... ......
Bald Marcin	Here, your "Thorn Tear". It's not often you order something this strong. Are you worried about her?
Old Knight	If I count from the day Zofia had me train her in swordsmanship, it took her four whole years to get to the preliminaries... But Maria only had four weeks. We should keep an eye on them. When it's time to call it quits, that's when they need to stop. We mustn't let them go overboard.
Bald Marcin	Hahaha... They're just a bunch of young, passionate knights. It brings me back to the time when Margaret decided to throw her name in the hat.
Old Knight	But they are nothing like her.
Bald Marcin	Now, trust in her a little. As long as she's creative with how she accumulates her points, getting qualified for the Major isn't really anything so difficult.
Old Knight	That might work for your everyday contestants, but.. I'm not sure if that'll work for Maria... I have a feeling... there's going to be trouble.
Old Craftsman	What's the matter now, V? Why are you always pouring cold water on everything? What, are you jealous? Have you no shame?
Old Knight	You want to say that again?!
<Background 1>
[The audience cheers as they are eager to watch the Kazimierz Major qualification match between Maria and Szewczyk.]
Greatmouth Mob	Laaaaadies and gentlemen! Welcommmmme to the Roar Arena! You're in for a treat today at this arena, fully sponsored by the Roar Guards Company! "Roar Guards, even the winds will bow to you!" If you don't have an independent knight to put your money on yet, then let me introduce to you once again— It's been a long month since she became the talk of the town with her debut match, and who knows what kind of training she's gone through in preparation for this day! Please join me and welcome the cutest contestant to ever grace the Roar Arena, sister to the legend, the Nearl family's youngest ever competition knight! Maaaaarrriiiiiia Nearllll!
[The audience cheers as Maria enters the arena.]
Tourist	I bet my entire fortune on you! Nearl!
Tourist	*Whistle* Radiant Knight! Lil' Radiant Knight!
[While the audience cheers for Maria...]
Zofia	This atmosphere really is over-the-top... Hey, you! You're blocking my view! Sit down! (I wonder how long it's been since the last time I was in the audience.) (Okay, Maria... Don't get nervous.)
<Background fades out and in>
Maria	(Take a deep breath... Deep breath.) (Mmn... There's so many people looking at me...!) (No, I shouldn't worry about my surroundings so much... Deep breath... Deep breath...)
[The audience cheers.]
Greatmouth Mob	Everyone! Please calm down! I know how excited you all are right now, but please try to calm down a little! Try to give the young lady a little space. If she gets stage fright and calls it quits, the Roar Guards won't be issuing any refunds. That's right! Support her with the cash in your wallets, not your voices! There's nothing more exciting than seeing your favorite knightess reign victorious thanks to your support, especially the monetary kind!
<Background 2>
Bald Marcin	Looks like Greatmouth Mob got paid off by the Roar Guards.
Old Knight	What a lowlife. *Spit*.
Old Craftsman	Heh, look at the Roar Guards trying to take on Raythean at their own game. They don't know their place, do they? Even the putty I played with back when I was a kid lasts longer than the armors they churn out.
Old Knight	Why don't I see you working at some big-name company, then?
Old Craftsman	Over my dead body! I've sworn off building equipment for knights!
Old Knight	That's why you still haven't paid off your tab for a whole year already! Because you don't take work that pays.
Old Craftsman	I haven't picked up my tab because I've got bills to pay! Why else would I be fixing pipes? I'm not even a plumber!
Bald Marcin	Hahaha... Speaking of which, Old Lady Layla left you a message. She wants you to fix some lights for her son...
Old Knight	Well, are you going?
Old Craftsman	I... err... Who's Maria up against?
<Background 1>
[The audience cheers.]
Greatmouth Mob	Alright—! With a crowd this enthusiastic, how could the Roar Arena and its sponsor, the Roar Guards, let anyone down? The one who will go face to face with the Radiant Knight's sister is none other than the vanguard who led Roar K.C., the knightclub proudly sponsored by the Roar Guards, to the top 100 in the last Major. Yes, I can hear you complaining! I've got to get a word in for our sponsors. That's no less important than the events themselves! And so— Now hold your horses, we're getting there. Our heroine will soon be facing the judgement of the fiercest storm of her life! His might and economical title are unmatched on today's roster! Please join me and welcome the "Plastic", Szewczyk!
[The audience cheers as Szewczyk enters the arena.]
Fan	Szewczyk! Szewczyk!
Fan	Take her down, Szewczyk! All my money's on the line here! Don't disappoint us!
Greatmouth Mob	The "Plastic" Szewczyk, everyone, and check out his armor from the Roar Guards Company, made with the newest materials! Will the latest in Columbian armor technology prove to be the decisive element in this match?! That's right. The Roar Guards provide all enterprising knights with the most bespoke, personalized equipment services! Maintenance, upgrades, retrofits, you name it! We'll craft up a storm in our workshops! Don't forget, "Roar Guards, even the winds will bow to you!"
Plastic Knight	Well, I didn't expect to see you here... and I definitely didn't expect to find you in the audience while I'm in the ring.
Zofia	—Szewczyk.
Plastic Knight	"Whislash" Zofia. I thought you'd never set foot in this place again after your injury, lest you humiliate yourself.
Zofia	Hah, you only know to kick a lady when she's down. You're still all talk and no show. Remember how many points I snatched from you when we faced each other in the prelims, Plastic Toy?
Plastic Knight	If you were just a bit smarter... Whatever, why am I even talking to you about this? Was it you who trained that kid? In just one month?
Zofia	Well, you better stop talking to me and keep your eye on the arena if you don't want her to break you like a toy.
Plastic Knight	I see. Well, looks like I can look forward to a decent fight...
Zofia	You'd better watch out, Plastic Toy.
Plastic Knight	Heh... We'll see how that turns out.
[The audience cheers upon seeing Szewczyk talking with Zofia.]
Greatmouth Mob	Oh? Ohh? It looked like Szewczyk talked to someone in the audience briefly before he stepped into the ring. And who would've thought? It's "Whislash", Zofia! What a surprise we have in our audience today!
Zofia	*Spit*.
Greatmouth Mob	Now, the two knights have entered the arena. Keep your eyes on them! You don't want to miss any action! Everyone! Everyone! Do you see Szewczyk's armor shining under the lights? Do you see Maria's beautiful blond hair fluttering in the wind? Anything you see will soon be consumed by the most intense bloodbath of the day! They'll be going all out to bring each other down! Rules&mdashlWho cares? This is the Kazimierz Major!
[The audience cheers.]
Greatmouth Mob	Before our dimwitted judges make their decision, you can and should support your favorite! Of course! Your support will directly influence the outcome! If your purse is feeling a little light, you can scream all you want. Not that it'll do anything but give yourself some unearned pride and the rest of us an earache. If you dig deep, you can buy some chips to support your contestant! Okay, here comes the booing again, but guess what? To celebrate the Major reaching its highest number of contestants ever, the Roar Arena's cut's been lowered to an unheard of 50%! For every ten gold coins you spend, five of them will help your favorite contestants! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Of course! The Roar Arena isn't just raking in all those commissions for nothing. If you've got your money on one of our contestants, as long as they win in some way, you'll have the chance to make some big bucks! The odds? Forget it! The odds are in your own hands! The bankroll? It's what you're throwing down for your knights! Don't hesitate! It's time to fork out anything you've got for your warriors!
<Background 1>
[The audience cheers.]
Greatmouth Mob	And now without further ado! May our contestants please step forward! On your marks!
Maria	...Grandpa... Margaret... here I go. My name is Maria Nearl! My family motto is, "Fear neither hardship nor darkness!"
[The audience cheers as the match between Maria and Szewczyk starts.]

After operation

“

After finding a weakness in the Plastic Knight, Maria manages to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, drawing yet more attention.

”

<Background 1>
[As the audience cheers amidst the match between Maria and Szewczyk...]
Greatmouth Mob	Everyone! Everybody! Would you look at that! Before this match began, who could've known that this fight—this standoff between the renowned Nearl family and the Plastic Knight—would've turned out like this? Maria Nearl! The girl who inherited the Nearl name! Who could've seen this coming—!? She's completely cornered by Szewczyk! And she's got no way to turn the tables! That won't do! Nearl! Do you know how much money our audience has bet on you just because of your name?! Uh... Say that again? Oh, it's not actually that much, going by where the the odds stand? Hey now, you should all have a little more faith in the girl! Isn't her face worth something to you?!
[During the fight, Maria tries to land some hits on Szewczyk, but it has no effect on him thanks to his armor which protects him from all sorts of attacks.]
Maria	Ughh—!
Plastic Knight	I was expecting something on Zofia or the Radiant Knight's level, but is this all you've got...? What a let-down.
[Szewczyk starts to dodge Maria's attacks as he maneuvers around the arena.]
Greatmouth Mob	That's the Roar Guards' old war horse! He's using the artificial environment and his speed to his advantage! The poor girl's got nowhere to run! He stops! He shoots! And then he's on the move again! This is his "Plastic Rhythm"!
Maria	(I-I can't see his movements! Why? He's not even as fast as Zofia—) (He stopped! I've gotta block—!)
[Szewczyk shoots some bolts at Maria, which she narrowly blocks...]
Plastic Knight	Too slow!
[...and attempts to counter...]
Zofia	—Maria! To your left!
Maria	What—Uhgh!
[...only to leave herself open to an attack from Szewczyk as the audience cheers.]
Greatmouth Mob	Szewczyk just hopped on the wall there and made a beautiful burst of shots. My god, if he landed those shots where he really wanted them, we'd have to cut the broadcast short! That was close! Even though he's been hit a few times already, his armor is so tough, there's absolutely no sign of damage at all! Yet he's able to move around in it so quickly! Astounding! You see that, everyone? That's the latest product from the Roar Guards! The Jack 2 Special High Performance Rubber Paste! This fantastic product can be yours today! But wait! We're even handing out 5% off coupons at the front of the arena right now! Be sure not to miss this opportunity!
<Background fades out and in>
[Two Zalak knightesses are watching the Maria vs Szewczyk bout.]
???	So... That's Nearl?
???	Hold on, is she really the Radiant Knight's sister?
???	...What, are you disappointed?
???	Of course not... Why would I be disappointed by something like this? What about you?
???	Me? Well... Let's keep watching a little longer. We paid good money for our tickets after all.
???	I hate the atmosphere here... and Mob never fails to get on my nerves. I don't understand how he manages to stir up the crowd when he commentates like that... And those advertisements... Is anyone actually running out to buy anything he's advertising?
???	There's probably a few. After all, letting viewers put everything off their minds and go with the crowd is what these knight competitions do best, wouldn't you agree? Hey, take a look over there. In the front row. "Whislash" Zofia.
???	Not just her. There's more over there... Some lesser-known knights.
<Background fades out and in>
[As Maria stands helplessly, Szewczyk approaches her.]
Plastic Knight	...We have about ten minutes left. Looks like your luck hasn't run out yet. If I didn't have to drag this out, you would've begged me to spare your life long ago!
Maria	Nngh—!
Plastic Knight	Just surrender, kid. You don't know the rules here. The judges aren't going to stop us until I have arrows sticking through all your arms and legs. You don't need to do this. Throw in the towel.
Maria	I-I can't give up...!
Plastic Knight	Well, if you've already dug your heels in... You have her eyes, but, other than that, you're nothing. Very well... Let's see how long you can keep this up.
Maria	—!
<Flashback starts here>
<Background 3>
Zofia	Training is nothing like real combat. No one's going to try to be polite and take you head-on. Besides, each contestant has her own equipment, weapon, and fighting style. On top of that, each battle takes place on different terrain, there are different traps and support equipment... Any one of which could influence the outcome.
Maria	Gathering intel sounds really important...
Zofia	That's right, and that's where the problem is. There is no way you can remember the weaknesses of each and every one of the knights in the Kazimierz Major, but most if not all of them have their eyes on you.
Maria	Ohh...
Zofia	There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to winning the competitions, but if we have to come up with something... Bring out the best in yourself—In other words, give it your all.
Maria	So, you mean... you've got nothing?
[Zofia punches Maria.]
Maria	Ow!
Zofia	Observe and think. You don't come up with solutions before you actually face the challenges. You need to analyze the situation within an extremely short amount of time and come up with the appropriate response. That's not an easy thing to do.
<Flashback ends here>
<Background 1>
Maria	—To the left!
[Maria was able to parry an attack from Szewczyk, much to the audience's cheer.]
Plastic Knight	You got lucky there.
Greatmouth Mob	Ohh?! This is the first time Nearl has countered his attack—Nope, all she did was block his feint! The vote count hasn't changed! Szewczyk still has the advantage, and an overwhelming one at that!
[The audience cheers for Szewczyk.]
<Background fades out>
Observe. Think. Maria— You are gifted with a pair of pegasian eyes.
<Background fades in>
Maria	(His knight armor—Jack 2?) The Roar Guards have thirteen different products, and none are called that—)
Plastic Knight	...Waiting for me to strike? Fool!
Several arrows buzz past Maria, sending strands of hair fluttering in the air and leaving behind a trail of smoke and dust in the air.
Maria	(It enhances his mobility... No, there's more to it than that... but this model...) ...Let's give it a try.
Greatmouth Mob	She's charging! "Plastic" Szewczyk has been toying with Nearl so far this entire match, but she's finally charging him for the first time! She dodged the flames burning through the crevices and the artificial frost! She's fast! Very fast—But Szewczyk is still not moving away! Is he going to fight her head on?!
Plastic Knight	It's suicide for an archer to fight a swordsman head on—
Maria	You won't get away—!
Plastic Knight	I'm not going anywhere!
<Background fades out>
The two contestants clash. Arrows whiz past Maria as she endures the intense pain on her face, yet she does not attack. She steps atop her opponent's armor and flips into the air. Naturally, Szewczyk did not expect the confrontation to be this friendly— The coldness he feels in his hand, the low roar, and the unnatural smoke wafting in the air—
<Background fades in>
Greatmouth Mob	What's this? Would you believe it?! We aren't just getting a knight match for our money today; we've got a circus show going on here! Maria has finally closed in on Szewczyk, but she hasn't attacked even once! Is this her idea of a taunt?!
[The audience cheers.]
Zofia	...It's not that she's not attacking; she can't attack. If she didn't dodge that, her left arm would've been crippled by now. Plastic's trying to drag the fight on. He's trying to get sponsorships by putting on a show... *sigh*. Maria...
[The audience cheers after Maria has done something to Szewczyk's armor during the clash before.]
Plastic Knight	What... did you just do?
Maria	It's getting a little hot in here, isn't it... Mr. Szewczyk? Haven't the Roar Guards thought out the ventilation issues in that new armor you're wearing?
Plastic Knight	...That's something for the craftsmen to worry about, not for two dueling knights to have a discussion over.
Maria	(High performance, lightweight... It's obviously trying to replicate that high-end Victorian workmanship and the Originium skeletal reinforcement lining technology from Columbia...) (They probably left out air vents because of some technical issues... No, maybe just aesthetics...) (In that case... How much longer till it reaches its limits?) (He moves and shoots, then repeats. I know his pattern, but I can't match his speed.) (Wait, no... He moves, then stops, and then he shoots... Hold on...?)
Greatmouth Mob	We had a little interlude just now, but both sides have regained their composure! They pulled away from each other, and we're back on track—Hang on! Maria's not hesitating at all! She took off right away and she's trying to match Szewczyk's speed! But! There's still some difference between them!
Plastic Knight	You don't know when to give up, do you? Hasn't "Whislash" taught you not to make chase when you have the lower hand in speed?
Szewczyk briskly stops and turns. In no time, he has already replaced his bowstring.
Maria	(Now!)
[Maria uses her shield to reflect light that blinds Szewczyk and the audiences.]
Greatmouth Mob	A flash! The stadium is suddenly filled with a blinding light—Let's take this opportunity to look at all the advantages of Raythean's latest sunglasses, part of its Pioneer line of apparel! (What? Advertisements? Who gives a crap when they've already thrown all that money on this?)
Plastic Knight	Nnn—! She's not attacking—What—
Maria	(He's not attacking or moving! Again!) —Hiyaah!
[Maria strikes back, but Szewczyk narrowly blocks it.]
Plastic Knight	——
Greatmouth Mob	He blocked it! Szewczyk, a crossbowman, managed to block Maria's attack without even breaking a sweat! Our Nascent Nearl, Maria, is running out of ideas!
Maria	(I knew it!)
Plastic Knight	So the Arts were all just a fluke... Was there even a point to that? It was your last chance.
Maria	Mr. Szewczyk, how's the automatic cooling system doing for you during combat?
Plastic Knight	Well, color me surprised... If you figured that out so quickly, maybe you should've been a mechanic, not a knight.
Maria	—Mr. Szewczyk, you're a really strong knight. Your speed and techniques are impeccable. Sadly, it looks like you chose to be a corporate product tester instead.
Plastic Knight	...None of your business, and I suggest you stop underestimating the Roar Guards' technological prowess.
Maria	—Is that so?
[The audience cheers as Maria is taking a few steps back.]
Greatmouth Mob	Ohh?! Maria's willingly pulled herself back! What's the meaning of this?! What were the two of them talking about?! I'm sure our audience is curious about that, too. I've always been an advocate for giving the knights mics—Who doesn't want to listen in on our contestants trash-talking each other?!
???	Well, the crowd's getting all fired up again.
???	It seems like Maria Nearl figured something out.
???	Yeah, it looks like it. Well, no matter. Knights should spend more time thinking instead of always trying to brute force a win.
Plastic Knight	Cheap tricks...!
Greatmouth Mob	He stops! He shoots! Szewczyk's starting his hunt again—Wait! Maria sidestepped the obstacles on the ground, and she's dashing straight towards Szewczyk!
Plastic Knight	Hmm?!
Greatmouth Mob	Szewczyk! Szewczyk's not moving an inch! Is he going to take that hit straight on like last time?!
Plastic Knight	*Warning sounds* Tsk! This stupid cooling system—!
Maria	Sorry about this!
Plastic Knight	Don't get cocky!
[Maria lands a clean hit on Szewczyk, his armor apparently had malfunctioned due to overheating.]
Plastic Knight	Ugh?!
Maria	It's suicide for an archer to fight a swordsman head on—I couldn't have said it better myself!
[Maria and Szewczyk strikes each other, with the former gaining an upper hand.]
Plastic Knight	(It hasn't cooled down yet. I need to keep my distance!) Out of the way!
[The audience cheers as Szewczyk tries to counter Maria's attacks.]
Greatmouth Mob	Szewczyk—! Unbelievable! With just his crossbow and his bayonet, he blocked her flawlessly!
<Background fades out>
Maria closes her eyes. She has seen this technique countless times, and she has tried to imitate it just as many. A move she has copied over and over and over.
<Background fades in>
Zofia	Yeah... now I remember... That backhand thrust... It's the same one that took Margaret to victory.
[Maria lands a backhand thrust on Szewczyk...]
Plastic Knight	You... This is impossible...
[...which successfully defeats the Plastic Knight, ending the match with Maria's victory.]
Maria	Haghhh— Th-That hurts...
[The audience cheers at the outcome.]
Greatmouth Mob	—Wh-Who could've seen this coming?! Szewczyk still had the advantage just a second ago, but she knocked him cold in just one blow! There is no question. The winner is Maria! But how did she do that? Did we just witness a repeat of that miraculous final match?! Maria Nearl! Has she been hiding her true strength this whole time?!
???	Well, well. She did it. ...Let's go.
???	Not gonna keep watching?
???	What's there to watch? Better go home and fix up your weapon, don't leave any weaknesses for your opponent to capitalize on.
???	Hahaha, you're right about that. Wait up!
<Background fades out and in>
[The audience cheers as Maria leaves the arena.]
Zofia	Maria... you really did it. ...Is this really a good thing?
[The formal Kuranta from before approaches Mob.]
???	Mr. Mob.
Greatmouth Mob	(Hey! This stage's for commentators! Get off!)
???	Shh... Quiet. Do not let the audience hear you... They cannot see me where I am standing, so relax. I am just here to relay Mr. Pavel's thoughts on the matter...
Greatmouth Mob	Pa... Y-You dare call him by name... What do you want?
???	It appears Szewczyk lost this match out of ineptitude. This has been a huge disappointment to the Roar Guards Company.
Greatmouth Mob	You mean...
???	Quiet now... There are some things that are best kept unsaid. I am sure you are aware what that means. Now go, the audience is waiting.
[The formal Kuranta leaves Mob alone as the audience cheers.]
Greatmouth Mob	Everyone—! Everyone! Going by the odds and votes, this has undoubtedly been a huge upset! This match is sure to be the talk of the town for days to come! An independent, untitled knight managed to defeat the Roar K.C.'s vanguard! It looks like Maria Nearl's Originium Arts are a force to be reckoned with! She defeated the "Plastic" Szewczyk, through pure skill! Was it because Szewczyk underestimated her opponent, a newbie? Was it their conversation that determined the victor? This is why I said the knights should get mics— In any case! Whatever excuses you've got, it's all too late now! I'm honored to announce the results of the first match of the day! The winner—Maria Nearl!
[The audience cheers for Maria's first and hard-fought victory.]