Scenario:Sahli Lao - That Person's Aura
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That Person's Aura
The crew offers Sahli Lao a special training session, which includes a penalty for failure. This pressure triggers the Harvin's problems with anxiety, causing a stray bolt to wake up a monster sleeping nearby.
A small shadow stands against the night wind.
Sahli Lao's cloak billows out as the Harvin frets over stage fright.
Sahli Lao: Sigh...
Lyria: What's wrong, Lao?
Vyrn: Yeah, what's with the glum face?
Sahli Lao: So, Vyrn and Lyria... Do you think I've overcome my weakness at all?
Lyria: Huh? Hmm... I don't see any problems when we fight together.
Lyria: I'd actually say that there are times when everyone relies on you.
Vyrn: That's right! With you picking off targets using your huge crossbow, our jobs get a lot easier!
Sahli Lao: Is that right? I must admit that I do feel quite calm when I fight alongside you guys...
Sahli Lao: But there aren't many opportunities when I absolutely have to decide battles with one crucial shot.
Vyrn: I see... So you're saying that times like that are when you have trouble?
Sahli Lao: I think so... At least I've always failed at do-or-die situations in the past...
Vyrn: Well then! Sounds like you're a perfect candidate for some special training! Yep, it's decided!
Sahli Lao: Um... What?
Vyrn: Heh-heh, we'll start right after breakfast! (Captain), you can help too!
The next day, (Captain) and company bring Sahli Lao to a lush forest dominated by tall trees.
Sahli Lao: What in the world are we doing here?
Vyrn: Okay! This spot should be perfect, (Captain)!
As Vyrn says this, (Captain) and Lyria casually pull out a quiver of bolts and some apples.
Sahli Lao: What is this?
Vyrn: Heh-heh! These apples will be your targets!
Sahli Lao: Surely you don't mean...
Lyria: That's right! We'll use these to train! There are ten apples and ten bolts. You can't miss even once, okay?
Sahli Lao: Hee... Hee-hee...
Vyrn: Huh? What's so funny?
Sahli Lao: Oh, nothing. I'm just really grateful for your kindness.
Sahli Lao: But if I'm aware that it's only practice, there's no danger of my aim faltering.
Sahli Lao: Hmm... Perhaps if there were a penalty for missing...
Vyrn: A penalty, huh? That would certainly increase the pressure for you.
Sahli Lao: All right. You pick the penalty, (Captain). Anything you want.
Lyria: Um... Like going without dinner or something?
Sahli Lao: Hee-hee. I'd accept a harsher penalty than that. A soldier's word is their bond.
Choose: How about getting a buzz cut?
Sahli Lao: Huh?
Lyria: Hey, (Captain), what's a buzz cut? Huh? A hard-core haircut, you say?
Choose: How about hitting on ten girls?
Sahli Lao: Wha?
Lyria: Hey, (Captain), what do you mean by that exactly? Huh? I'm better off not knowing?
Continue 1
Vyrn: Ha-ha! Good idea! Maybe it'll make you seem more like a tough guy, Lao!
Sahli Lao: ...
Vyrn: What?
Sahli Lao: Uh... I guess you're right. Very well then.
Sahli Lao: I mean, without at least that much risk, it wouldn't be proper training.
Lyria: Um... You don't really have to do this, okay?
Sahli Lao: It's fine! A soldier's word is their bond! I'll give it my all!
Vyrn: Yeah, well said! Let's do it!
The objective of the training is to hit the ten apples positioned around the forest with the ten bolts.
Sahli Lao: Two more to go! All right, I can do this!
Lyria: Well done! You're so fast!
Vyrn: Gulp... This is where it starts to get tough. You can do it, Lao!
Vyrn: Hey, he's shaking pretty bad...
Sahli Lao: Whoops!
The bolt grazes the side of the target, but luckily the force is still enough to split the apple cleanly in two.
Sahli Lao: Thank goodness! One more now!
Grouchy Monster: Grrr!
Sahli Lao: What?
The bolt Lao just shot, which disappeared into a nearby thicket, seems to have disturbed a sleeping creature.
Vyrn: Shoot! It was going so well too! All right, practice is canceled! Let's go, (Captain)!
That Person's Aura: Scene 2
After a speedy shadow saves Sahli Lao, the Harvin identifies the figure as a former colleague, Milleore.
Sahli Lao: Ugh... How pathetic! I suppose this really is all I amount to...
Lyria: Lao, watch out!
Sahli Lao: Huh?
Milleore: ...!
Sahli Lao: Wha?
Moving faster than the eye can see, a small shadow takes out the monster sneaking up on Lao from behind.
Sahli Lao: Milly?
Vyrn: Hey! A lot of big ones are coming this way! Be careful!
That Person's Aura: Scene 3
With courage bolstered by the presence of a former partner, Milleore, Sahli Lao takes out both the monsters and the training target in a single shot, thus avoiding any penalties and conquering any anxiety.
Vyrn: Lao! A bunch of them went over there!
Sahli Lao: Oh! Those bolts... Only one person can fire like that...
Sahli Lao: It's her! She's nearby!
Knowing that a former companion is nearby gives Lao courage, who is no longer trembling or breathing raggedly.
Sahli Lao: I think I'm okay now!
Sahli Lao: Here goes!
Lao closes both eyes, arms falling to the side and appearing almost defenseless.
Grouchy Monster: Grrr!
Sahli Lao: I see it! Right there!
Sahli Lao fires a bolt with such power that the surrounding targets are instantly destroyed... including the final apple.
Sahli Lao: Milly...
Vyrn: Awesome! That one really packed a punch!
Lyria: Whew... Thank goodness. Now Lao won't have to face the training penalty...
Vyrn: But you know, big guy... I still think it would improve your nerves in the long run if you tried something a little more aggressive?
Sahli Lao: ...
Vyrn: Hey, not again! What's with the silence?
Sahli Lao: Well, I didn't think it was so important, so I didn't correct you before, but...
Vyrn: Oh?
Lyria: Yes?
Sahli Lao: Well, it doesn't really matter. It's a common mistake, and it's really not worth worrying about.
Thus Sahli Lao overcomes potentially lethal anxiety and is able to maintain the pride of a soldier.
Milleore is a crew member
Milleore: Lao... I'm glad for you.
But Vyrn can't help but feel that there is still something amiss.