Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life/Story

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Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Opening

Sturm is hired alongside other mercenaries to protect the nobles of a country struggling against a revolt. Once there, she meets a blue-haired Erune man whose magic has been aiding the resistance and causing trouble for the army. Though the man chatters away without a care in the world, Sturm keeps her guard up as she readies herself for a fight.


Sturm: ...
Merc 1: You that "Sturm" person they said was coming?
Sturm: Yeah.
Merc 2: The guild sent you as backup, yeah? You sure got here fast.
Merc 1: Not that we're complaining. We'll take any help we can get at this point.
Sturm: Is the situation that bad?
Merc 2: How much did the reports tell you?
Sturm: The revolt that started half a year ago is dragging on, and the resistance is now resorting to guerrilla warfare.
Sturm: The nobility are afraid of being targeted, so they hired mercenaries for protection.
Sturm: Twenty days ago, the guild sent a few mercs ahead. Today, they sent me.
Sturm: That's about the extent of it.
Merc 2: Well, you know the gist of it.
Merc 1: Problem is, resistance activity picked up a few days ago.
Merc 1: Which is why we called in for some extra help.
Sturm: Did they change tactics or get reinforcements?
Merc 1: The former, thanks to the latter. Seems some new guy joined their ranks, and he's stirring up a lotta trouble.
Sturm: What trouble?
Merc 2: Apparently he's a real powerful mage. Man's been wiping the floor with everyone—even our soldier buddies over there.
Merc 2: He shows up in random places and tears us to shreds. Thanks to that, morale's low and everything's a mess.
Sturm: So someone new joined up with the resistance... Are they hiring mercs too?
Merc 1: That's what I'd guess at least.
Merc 2: Hold on. You haven't heard the rumors? Y'know, that it's that freelance guy who's been showing up in all sorts of war zones lately?
Merc 2: I haven't seen him up close, but the description matches: an Erune with pretty hard-to-miss blue hair.
Blue-Haired Erune: Now this is a surprise! Not many people have what it takes to keep up with me.
Sturm: You...
Sturm finds herself facing off against a mysterious man after traversing the forest to deal with guerrilla soldiers.
Sturm: You're the guy from the rumors.
Blue-Haired Erune: Rumors? Wow, I didn't think I was that popular. Want an autograph?
Sturm: Hah!
Blue-Haired Erune: I'll take that as a no!
The man easily avoids Sturm's attack with a show of magic.
Blue-Haired Erune: Makes me wonder what kinda things people are saying about me though. Hey, you mind sharing?
Sturm: Hmph!
Blue-Haired Erune: Whoa, whoa, whoa!
Blue-Haired Erune: Are you even listening to me?
Sturm: No. No need to.
Blue-Haired Erune: Ouch, that's cold... Is a conversation too much to ask for?
Sturm: I'm in the middle of work. Aren't you?
Blue-Haired Erune: Work, huh? I suppose that means you're a mercenary too.
Sturm: Haah!
Blue-Haired Erune: Really not going to lend me an ear?
Blue-Haired Erune: Being serious about your job's not a bad thing, but... Why's a young person like you doing such dangerous work anyway?
Blue-Haired Erune: Avoiding home? Training up your combat skills? Or just gathering some cold hard rupies to feed your family with?
Blue-Haired Erune: Those are usually the motivating factors in our line of work, so...
Sturm: ...
Sturm's irritation boils over as the man continues to babble and parry effortlessly.
Sturm: What are you scheming? Trying to buy time?
Blue-Haired Erune: Nothing but what I've already said—all I want is a conversation.
He continues to talk without pause, his lips curved upward as the words flow from his mouth.
Blue-Haired Erune: Say, are you the type of person who doesn't care where their money comes from, as long as you get your payment?
Blue-Haired Erune: Do you know why this revolt started in the first place?
Blue-Haired Erune: Or is raking in rupies more important than the lives of this country's people?
Blue-Haired Erune: Work's work for a merc, after all...
He shrugs in a greatly exaggerated fashion.
Blue-Haired Erune: I suppose there's no way around it. If the guys up top told you to fight, then that's what you'll do.
Sturm: Does this guy not have an off switch...
Sturm raises her sword, gives the man a piercing glare, and rushes straight at him.

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 1: On Orchid, and the Erste Kingdom - Episode 1

During a dry spell, the mercenary duo are approached by Orchid. She offers them a job—as mercenaries. They accept.


Drang: Yawn...
Sturm: ...
Drang: Sigh...
Sturm: Hey. Cut that crap out.
Drang: C'mon, what's wrong with kicking back a little? Things are so quiet lately anyway...
Drang: Oh yeah. When do we need to go pick up that new knife we ordered from Valtz?
Sturm: It won't be done for a few more days.
Drang: Aw, too bad. Guess we'll have to lounge around for a little longer then.
Sturm: Drang...
Sturm: You do realize that peace and quiet means there's no work for us, don't you? Now's not the time to be fooling around.
Drang: Nah, we've got nothing to worry about. We'll always have jobs coming in with our reputations.
Orchid: Found you.
Drang: Oho?
Orchid: Sturm. Drang.
Drang: Well if it isn't Orchid! Did you need something from us?
Orchid: I was looking for you. I needed to ask you both something.
Sturm: What is it?
Orchid: Are you two... not busy?
Drang: Now hold your stuffed animals right there, Orchid!
Drang: It's rude to make assumptions! Don't we look like important people with things to do?
Orchid: No. Since you're just lounging around.
Drang: I'll have you know we're the most dynamic mercenary duo in the skies—super popular and in high demand! People are clamoring to give us work!
Drang: Or did you forget your beloved Black Knight judged us for herself and snapped us right up?
Orchid: I didn't. Apollo has good judgment. So I believe in you too. That's why I'm here.
Orchid: I have a job for you. Will you take it?
Sturm: You're offering us work?
Orchid: Yes. If you want it.
Drang: Of course we do!
Drang: Actually, you don't even need to hire us if you've got a request that needs filling.
Orchid: I don't?
Drang: How could we turn down our favorite Orchid if she comes asking nicely for a favor?
Orchid: But...
Sturm: Stop it, Drang.
Sturm: You'll drag our names as mercenaries through the mud if you do that.
Sturm: And you're looking down on Orchid too.
Drang: Well... If you put it that way, I guess you're not wrong.
Drang: Sorry about that, Orchid.
Orchid: It's okay. I came here ready to give you the job. I even have the money.
Sturm: Then let's get down to business.

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 1: On Orchid, and the Erste Kingdom - Episode 2

Orchid requests Sturm and Drang's help in training Erste's army so they may better protect their queen. The mercenaries accept Orchid's request, but Drang realizes that he might have bitten off more than he can chew.


Sturm: You! Back straight!
Erste Soldier 1: Yes, ma'am!
Sturm walks around the Erste Kingdom's training grounds and shouts advice at the hardworking soldiers.
Sturm: Why are you looking away? You hoping to hit the enemy without aiming?
Erste Soldier 2: S-sorry, ma'am!
Drang: Sturm's not cutting them any slack.
Drang: But she's making sure to keep their motivation up, even if it might not look like it.
Drang: Classic Sturm... I wouldn't have her any other way.
Erste Soldier 3: U-um... Drang, sir?
Drang: Ah, whoops! Sorry, what was I saying?
Erste Soldier 3: You were explaining about magic?
Drang: Right, right. I'm supposed to be teaching magic while Sturm handles all the sword stuff...
Drang: Provisional training for the troops?
Orchid: Yes. I want your help instructing them.
Drang: I don't mind, but what brought this on?
Orchid: Orchis is doing her best. But she has her hands full.
Orchid: I want to aid her somehow. At least a little.
Sturm: Queen Orchis wants to strengthen the military?
Orchid shakes her head.
Orchid: No. She's nervous. More fighting might happen if we strengthen the military. Just like what happened with the Erste Empire...
Orchid: But she's the one I'm worried about.
Drang: Not far-fetched to think someone might be after the Queen's head at all times, eh?
Orchid: Exactly.
Orchid: Orchis is working hard to make Erste a good place to live.
Orchid: But that means the soldiers have to work hard too. To protect Orchis and the people.
Drang: Hahaha, I'm starting to get the picture.
Drang: You must've done a bunch of studying to figure out the logistics then! That's pretty impressive!
Orchid: Yes... Adam taught me a lot. He feels the same as me. So he gave me permission to ask you two for assistance.
Drang: I see, I see.
Orchid: Drang, you're amazing at magic. Sturm, you're amazing at swordplay. Apollo relied on you both before. So I want your help.
Though her expression doesn't change much, Orchid's eyes shine as she makes her straightforward appeal.
Drang: Fair warning: we can only help out for a bit since we've gotta head over to Valtz soon.
Drang: That okay with you?
Orchid: No problem. Adam said even a little is good. The soldiers can use it.
Drang: Then my last question's for you, Sturm. You feel like showing a few rookies how it's done?
Sturm: Do you even need to ask?
Drang: I sure talked big, but...
Drang: Sturm's got this teaching thing down way better than I do.
Erste Soldier 3: We're well aware of your talent though, sir. Anything you can share with us will be more than enough.
Drang: Hmm... Let's see what I've got up my sleeves.
Drang: I usually use water and ice magic against people, I think.
Drang: But it'd be pretty awful if I accidentally froze my own comrades, so I've gotta focus on my surroundings and make sure my attacks are on-target.
Erste Soldier 3: Is there a trick to help with that?
Drang: Go with your gut! Just feel it... Really feel it inside you—
Erste Soldier 3: ...
Drang: Sorry, sorry, I'm only kidding. Don't look at me like that.
Drang: Trapping your comrades in ice for a bit is better than burning them to a crisp if you miss though, right?
Erste Soldier 3: I... I suppose?
Drang: Hmm... You know how I'm always working with Sturm?
Erste Soldier 3: You're telling me you normally use water-type magic to avoid burning her?
Drang: No, no. It doesn't matter what I hit her with.
Drang: Be it fire or ice, the second I do I'll be skewered like an Auguste fish kebab.
Erste Soldier 3: E-excuse me?
Drang: Hey, that's actually not a bad way to think about it! Just pretend that you'll be stabbed through the gut if you miss, and maybe the thrill will keep you on your toes.
Erste Soldier 3: Right...
Erste Soldier 3: Could you... perhaps explain in more concrete detail how to improve our accuracy?
Drang: Concrete, huh? That's gonna be tricky.
Drang: Me and Sturm—we've been together for so long, I already know where she's going to move and vice versa.
Drang: I doubt I'd ever mess up and hit her at this point.
Erste Soldier 3: Uh-huh...
The soldiers assigned to Drang sigh wearily as he struggles to provide a single piece of helpful advice.

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 1: On Orchid, and the Erste Kingdom - Episode 3

A suggestion from Sturm and a surprise visit from Pommern end in Drang attempting a lecture on tactics. Though Drang is hesitant at first, the lecture proves to be a resounding success, and Pommern bitterly realizes his own shortcomings. His soldiers, however, are quick to reassure Pommern of his strengths.


Drang: Maybe we should try practicing until you've got the hang of it. Think that'll work?
Erste Soldier 3: Maybe. We'll give it a shot!
Erste Soldier 3: ...!
Drang: Whoa, wait, not like—
Erste Soldier 3: Hah!
Erste Soldier 2: Gah!
The soldiers' attempts at magic create a tornado which takes off for the sword-swinging troops on Sturm's side.
Sturm: !
Erste Soldier 3: I'm s-so sorry!
Drang: Oh, uh... Don't worry about it. Doesn't seem like anyone got hurt, but...
Drang: Oh boy.
Sturm: Drang. What are you trying to pull?
Drang: A-an apology?
Sturm: You...
Drang: Sturm, please! Not in front of the kids!
Sturm: ...
Drang: S-Sturm?
Sturm: Sigh...
Sturm: If you're lousy enough to cause trouble on my side, then you should quit it with the magic.
Drang: Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down. I wasn't the one firing off that mishap.
Sturm: So what if you didn't pull the trigger? Your trainee did it, you're responsible.
Drang: You're... not wrong about that.
Drang: But if I cut the magic out, I've got nothing left to teach.
Sturm: You say that, but can you even teach magic in the first place? Aren't you mostly self-taught?
Drang: You're asking me that now?
Drang: I mean, you're not wrong, but isn't it a bit late to be revisiting the terms of this job?
Sturm: Shut up.
Drang: Ahhh! Uncle, uncle!
Sturm: It's not like magic is the only thing you know. Can't you teach them tactics and battle formations?
Drang: Weeell... If it's a question of can or can't, technically it's more of a can...
Drang gives an uncomfortable grin.
Drang: Ah, but I'm not sure if these soldiers would appreciate that kind of instruction from a mercenary.
Sturm: Doesn't matter. This is a job we were asked to do, so we're doing it.
Drang: Touche, but...
Pommern: Greetings to the both of you.
Drang: Oho? If it isn't Mister Spectacular 'Stache. You're a general now, right?
Pommern: Please allow me to offer my utmost gratitude for your assisting our army, I do say.
Drang: No need for formalities. Right, Sturm?
Sturm: We're just doing our job.
Pommern: Harrumph.
Pommern: The Erste Kingdom wouldn't normally trouble outsiders with tasks we should be performing ourselves.
Pommern: However, desperate times call for desperate measures. I'm afraid I am unable to spare the time to train our soldiers.
Drang: But if the busy general is here now... Does that mean we're getting the boot?
Drang: Cause you're not exactly rolling out the red carpet...
Sturm: Pardon me. I believe we have Adam's permission to be here.
Pommern: So you do. Which is why I would like you to proceed as you have been.
Pommern: There would be no better way, after all, for me to study the techniques of the famed mercenary duo!
Sturm: In that case...
Drang: I'm flattered, but I'm not even sure what we could offer you.
Pommern: The tactics and battle formations you spoke of earlier should serve as a beneficial lecture.
Drang: Oof, you heard that?
Drang: Pressure's on now... I guess there's no escaping it.
Drang: Having said that, this brings us to strategies for handling guerrilla warfare.
Drang: The most crucial aspect of dealing with the enemy is cutting off their supply routes and communications with outside aid. As for how, well, you can employ one of the methods I mentioned earlier.
Drang: The specifics will vary depending on the size of the power gap between your army and theirs.
Drang: If you've got a large advantage in numbers and you know the enemy's location, then a siege is probably the most effective tactic.
Drang: Casualties can be kept to a minimum, especially if the enemy surrenders without fighting.
Drang: Doesn't mean you shouldn't be on the lookout for a surprise attack from the rear though. You can never be certain they haven't called in backup.
Drang: Anyway, it depends on your available time, personnel, and supplies, and on what your goal is: destroying them, or compelling a surrender.
Drang: That level of decision is usually up to someone higher in the chain of command, so most of you won't have to sweat over it.
Drang: But when you get your orders, you should keep in mind what your superiors' objectives are.
Drang: The Erste libraries must have books on military tactics from all over the skies! Brushing up on the subject would be good for you, and more interesting than you might think!
Drang wraps up his explanation and waits expectantly for a reaction.
Drang: Um... Should I go back over anything? Or did you get all that?
Erste Soldier 1: I completely understood everything!
Erste Soldier 2: Wow... You made it seem so simple.
Erste Soldier 3: Honestly... I almost can't believe this is the same guy that tried explaining magic to us earlier.
Pommern: Harrumph...
Drang: I might've run my mouth off a bit there, so don't take me too seriously. You probably won't have to worry much anyway.
Drang: This kingdom's got a lot of good hands at the wheel.
Pommern: Harrumph, harrumph, harrumph...
Pommern: Sigh...
Drang: E-excuse me, General... Did I incorrectly describe something?
Pommern: Perish the thought. Your lecture was quite informative—more than I thought you capable of...
Pommern: I'm ashamed to admit you've helped me realize my own shortcomings.
Pommern's shoulders slump in dejection, leaving Drang to struggle for an appropriate response.
Drang: Now hold on just a minute there! You shouldn't be so down on yourself.
Drang: I'm only giving a lesson in the theory, you know? It's nothing compared to someone who's actually commanded troops through these situations.
Pommern: Cease your needless humility!
Pommern: I am not so petty as to deny my faults and look down on the accomplishments of others, I do say!
Drang: Er, I mean...
Erste Soldier 1: General Pommern!
Pommern: Yes?
Erste Soldier 1: I have absolute faith in you, sir!
Erste Soldier 2: Same here!
Erste Soldier 2: I'll never forget how you were the first to protect the citizens of Agastia when the empire fell!
Erste Soldier 3: That's right! The only reason I can still stand proudly here as a soldier is because you took the helm and commanded us to do the right thing.
Erste Soldier 1: We're not the only grateful ones either. All the citizens you saved will always remember what you've done for them.
Erste Soldier 2: I'm loyal to this country—to the Erste Kingdom—because I swore to be.
Erste Soldier 2: But I never would have made that vow without you, General!
Pommern: My word... You lot are truly...
Erste Soldier 1: General!
Pommern: It would be a disservice to us all if I continued to abase myself.
Pommern: Thus I swear to proudly serve this kingdom with every fiber of my being forevermore!
Erste Soldier 2: Well said, sir!
Erste Soldier 3: We'll be right there with you!
Drang: Hahaha... Not sure what's going on, but all's well that ends well, eh?
Sturm: Sigh... Can you do that far enough away we don't have to listen to it over here?

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 1: On Orchid, and the Erste Kingdom - Episode 4

Sturm and Drang finish training the soldiers and return to Orchid. Orchid reveals her earnest desire to aid Erste's people, as well as how she treasures the people around her, including the mercenary duo who look on fondly back.


Orchid: Thank you very much. You two did a great job.
Drang: You're very welcome!
Orchid: Adam and Pommern said thanks too. They told me to let you know.
Drang: Adam I expected, but Pommern? Wow...
Orchid: He said it was a good experience. For him and the soldiers.
Drang: Really? Well, that's good to hear at least.
Drang: Right, Sturm?
Sturm: Sure.
Orchid: I'm also going to work hard.
Orchid: Just like Orchis is right now. And Adam.
Orchid: Sturm. Drang. You really helped us out.
Sturm: We only did what was in the job description.
Orchid: Still. You helped Erste.
Orchid: I also...
The way Orchid tightly squeezes her stuffed animal doesn't escape Drang's notice.
Drang: You know, the soldiers and Pommern were really pumped up and saying stuff about how proud they are to serve the Erste Kingdom.
Drang: I'm pretty sure Adam and the queen feel the same way, even if their positions are a bit different.
Drang: But what about you, Orchid? Is Erste important to you too?
Orchid: Me?
Drang: I'm guessing it is. Otherwise, why do you care about helping out so much?
Orchid: ...
Orchid: I don't know. I'm not sure what it means to care about a country.
Orchid: But I know Orchis, Adam, and Pommern are important to me... All the people in the kingdom are.
Orchid: That's why I want to do something. If I can contribute even a little, I'll be happy.
Drang: Hehehe! Is that so?
Drang: Well, if it's confession time, then it's our turn to admit that we care about you a whole bunch too, Orchid! So don't be afraid to rely on us in the future!
Sturm: We'll charge you though.
Orchid: Of course. Thank you.
Orchid: You two are important to me as well. That's why I'll be there to help. If you're ever in trouble.
Drang: Aw, shucks! We'll hold you to that!
Orchid: Please do.
As a gentle smile graces Orchid's lips, Sturm and Drang's expressions soften in fond affection.

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 2: On a Certain Crew, and Siero's Shack - Episode 1

Sturm and Drang conclude their business in the Valtz Duchy, with Sturm pointedly avoiding a certain building in the vicinity. Elsewhere the crew meets with Sierokarte, who is burdened with more requests than there are takers. The crew suggests Sturm and Drang to help with the load, but Sierokarte states that hiring them is a bit complicated.


Drang: Well, we've picked up the knife and wrapped up our business here, so whaddya say to getting some grub?
Sturm: Sounds good.
Sturm and Drang leisurely stroll around the Valtz Duchy, free to take their time after visiting the blacksmith.
Drang: What do you feel like eating then?
Sturm: Don't care. As long as I can drink, I'm fine with whatever.
Drang: Sure, gotcha. Oh, but...
Drang: You sure you don't wanna stop by you-know-where? Seems like a good chance to pay a visit since we're already here.
Sturm: Hm...
Sturm ponders the question for a moment, her eyebrows scrunching together.
Sturm: No. I'll go another day.
Drang: If you say so. Works out for me since I don't have business there anyway.
Drang: Which means we can focus on downing some drinks! Let's gooo!
Vyrn: Heya, Siero!
Lyria: We finished handling the request you gave us!
Sierokarte: Great work out there. I appreciate the help as always!
While Sturm and Drang are searching for drinks, (Captain) and the crew arrive at the Knickknack Shack.
Vyrn: You got any other jobs for us while we're here?
Sierokarte: Let's see...
Lyria: If you don't really have anything at the moment, we can always come back once we're done shopping.
Sierokarte: No, no, I've actually got the opposite problem at the moment.
Eugen: Opposite? Whaddya mean by that?
Sierokarte: Well, we're getting swarmed by requests lately... Oh, here we go.
Sierokarte: How does this one sound to you? I think it might be right up your alley.
Vyrn: You think so?
Vyrn: Oh! Exterminating a big ol' monster, huh?
Lyria: We'll do it!
Eugen: I sure hope the rest of your requests ain't as large-scale as this one. Reckon there won't be a lot of takers in that case.
Sierokarte: Lucky for me, you're dealing with the most problematic one.
Sierokarte: But even so, the number of requests I've got left is going to be a real issue...
Eugen: Not enough hands on deck, eh? Maybe you should ask some mercs for help.
Vyrn: If you're down for mercs, Sturm and Drang would probably be up for it.
Lyria: That's a great idea! They're both really strong and really helpful!
Sierokarte: True, true. Those two aren't too picky with the jobs they take on, but...
Vyrn: But? You don't hafta tell us if you don't want to, but is there a problem?
Sierokarte: Have any of you heard about the Mercenary's Guild before?

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 2: On a Certain Crew, and Siero's Shack - Episode 2

The crew learns of the Mercenary's Guild, which serves as an intermediary for mercenaries much like Sierokarte is for skyfarers. In an effort to circumvent any troubles between the guild and the Knickknack Shack, the crew offers to directly hire Sturm and Drang instead.


Lyria: The Mercenary's Guild?
Eugen: I heard their name floating around once or twice, back when I quit the skyfarer gig and got myself into the merc business.
Eugen: If memory serves... they're based in Valtz and help mercs find jobs to take on.
Vyrn: You've only "heard of them"? Does that mean you never joined the guild?
Eugen: Nope. Never.
Eugen: I used connections from my time as a skyfarer and old pals from back home to find jobs.
Eugen: So I never needed the guild. Most I know about 'em are the rumors.
Sierokarte: The Mercenary's Guild is kind of special. They have quite a hands-off approach with their members.
Sierokarte: Basically, everyone's free to do what they want since the guild doesn't supervise their activities.
Vyrn: Huh... That's pretty different from the other guilds we know.
Sierokarte: Maybe! They still perform functions similar to other guilds though.
Sierokarte: Like breaking up fights between mercenaries, and even making new connections between them—which is great for finding jobs later on.
Sierokarte: The guild also hooks them up with new job requests, just as Eugen mentioned earlier.
Sierokarte: It's not so different from skyfarers getting work from the Knickknack Shack.
Sierokarte: Except it's mercenaries getting work from the Mercenary's Guild.
Lyria: Do you have to go through the guild if you want to ask mercenaries for help then?
Sierokarte: No, no, they aren't strict about that.
Sierokarte: I've directly contacted mercenaries and offered them work before.
Eugen: Makes sense.
Eugen: In my experience, mercs don't sit around waiting for work—they go out and network, meet up with intermediaries...
Eugen: It'd be more surprising if they weren't taking requests from middlemen like Siero. I doubt the guild could enforce a ban on it even if they wanted to.
Sierokarte: There you have it.
Sierokarte: However, if I were to ask for Sturm and Drang's help, well... Those two are an entirely different conversation.
Siero doesn't elaborate further.
Vyrn: Uhhh... I don't really get what the problem is, but it sounds like things are complicated between the Knickknack Shack and the guild, huh?
Lyria: We can handle a bunch more requests after this one, so we'll be back to help out as much as we can.
Eugen: Not so fast.
Eugen: Siero, you're mainly worried about stepping on the guild's toes over this, right?
Eugen: What if we went and asked Sturm and Drang ourselves? Crew to mercenaries—no dragging your name into it.
Eugen: We'd be doing it as a favor between friends, so you wouldn't need to pay us a commission or anything.
Sierokarte: I wouldn't say no to that! The sooner these jobs get done, the sooner the clients can relax.
Sierokarte: But are you sure you won't mind going out of your way?
Eugen: How 'bout it, (Captain)?
  1. We're happy to help!
  2. Well...

Choose: We're happy to help!
Sierokarte: You're a real lifesaver, (Captain)!

Choose: Well...
Sierokarte: Hehehe. How about I throw in some coupons to sweeten the deal?
Vyrn: Coupons? Okay, we're in!
Continue 1
Lyria: We'll get in contact with Sturm and Drang!

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 2: On a Certain Crew, and Siero's Shack - Episode 3

Sturm and Drang are hired by (Captain) to clear out monsters in a stream pool near Agastia and transport construction supplies there. Upon finishing, they run into Ryan who is also in the area. Ryan is about to give Sturm a message from Donna when another party joins the scene.


Monster: !
Drang: Toodle-oo!
Monster: ?
Drang: Sturm! Can you do the honors?
Sturm: Haaah!
Monster: ...!
Drang: Cleanup complete!
Sturm and Drang have traveled to a stream pool flowing between mountains on Agastia's outskirts.
Drang: With the monsters cleared out, that's most of the job done.
Sturm: Are the materials undamaged?
Drang: Yep, they're all good.
Drang pulls along a cart filled with materials for repairing the dilapidated bridge in front of them.
The bridge extends over a stream pool previously filled with monsters—their extermination a necessity to guarantee a safe construction process.
Sturm: The construction workers will arrive tomorrow. Let's leave the materials somewhere easy to spot.
Drang: Good call. Let's see...
Drang: We can probably pile 'em here. Sturm, would you mind giving the cart a push?
Sturm: Sure.
Drang: I wonder why (Captain) and the crew asked us to do this outta the blue.
Drang idly brings up the thought while he unloads the cart and begins to create organized stacks.
Drang: It's one thing to work together on a job, but they're not even here...
Drang: I don't see them moving into the middleman business either.
Sturm: Hmm. Remember you're talking about those softies.
Sturm: I bet they saw a certain someone in trouble and couldn't leave well enough alone.
Drang: Based on the circumstantial evidence, that "certain someone" is most likely our favorite Knickknack Shack-keep.
Drang: And since Sierokarte's not one for asking this kind of thing, those softies took it upon themselves to do it instead, hmm?
Sturm: They do have a tendency to stick their noses where they don't belong.
Drang: Come on, at least say they're offering a helping hand.
Sturm: Hmph. Aren't they the same thing?
Sturm: Don't answer that. Are you done yet?
Drang: Yep, everything's unloaded!
Sturm: Wait.
A faint cacophony of familiar sounds reaches their ears, alerting them to a battle nearby.
Drang: That's a fight if I've ever heard one.
Sturm: Someone fighting monsters, sounds like.
Drang: So what're we gonna do?
Sturm: It'd be annoying if anything destroyed the materials we brought here.
Sturm: Let's deal with it just in case.
Drang: Roger that!
Monster: ...!
???: Outta the way!
???: Okay... One more!
Monster: !
Drang: Now what do we have here?
The mercenary duo arrive just in time to see an axe-wielding man finish off the last monster.
???: Huh?
Drang: If it isn't Ryan!
???:
Ryan: Drang? Sturm?
Drang: Never expected to run into you here of all places.
Ryan: Took the words right out of my mouth. Not often we bump into each other.
Ryan, a warrior who swings a giant axe, can usually be found exterminating monsters or doing bodyguard work.
Sturm: Are you here to clear out the river monsters too?
Ryan: River monsters? I'm pretty sure the job I took only mentioned monsters on the mountain path.
Drang: Huh. I guess we just happened to pull two really similar assignments.
Ryan: You think? Bit of a coincidence for the locations to overlap that way.
Sturm: That's a good point...
Drang: Did (Captain) ask you to do this monster extermination?
Ryan: No... I got the request from the guild.
Any version of Ryan is a crew member
Ryan: I haven't seen (Captain) and the others since I hopped off the ship to visit home for a bit.
Ryan: Which is when the guild contacted me, so I doubt (Captain) had anything to do with this.
No version of Ryan in crew
Ryan: I'd just finished a mission and gone back home for a bit when the guild contacted me about this.
Drang: Hmm, is that so?
Ryan: By the way, I've got a message for you.
Drang: A message? For us?
Ryan: More like for Sturm. It's from Donna.
Sturm: ...
Ryan: She let me know in case I ran into you at some point, but I didn't think the opportunity would pop up so soon.
Ryan: I won't look a gift horse in the mouth though.
Sturm: So? What'd she say?
Ryan: She said—
???: Oh! Found you!
???: Heeey!

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 2: On a Certain Crew, and Siero's Shack - Episode 4

Feena bursts into conversation with a stack of letters for Sturm. When asked how she knew their location, Feena responds that Donna knew exactly where the mercenary duo would be. Ryan reveals that Donna's message was to have Sturm return to the Mercenary's Guild's HQ as soon as possible, to which Sturm responds with a heavy sigh.


Feena: Heya! It's Fantastic Feena's Delivery Service, here to hand over some letters!
Drang: Now Feena's here too? The hits just keep on coming today.
Ryan: Wait! Letters? You said letters! From my sister? Say they're from my sister!
Feena: Whoa, whoa, whoa!
Feena is a young but skilled mercenary who met (Captain) and the crew on Midnight Island as part of a goblin hunting task force.
Ryan: They've gotta be from my sister! Let me see them!
Feena: No! No, they aren't! Can you please calm down for a sec?
Ryan: They're not from Kunlun?
Feena: For the last time, no, these letters aren't from your sister! They're not even addressed to you!
Ryan: No... Kunlun...
Feena: You're kinda terrifying when it comes to her, you know that?
Drang: If they're not Ryan's... That must mean they're addressed to Sturm then.
Feena: Bingo! We have a winner! You had a pile going at the guild, so I gathered 'em up for you!
Feena: My bag's practically bursting from all the paper. When's the last time you showed up at the guild anyway?
Sturm: Don't know.
Feena: Well, doesn't matter to me either way. Here you go!
Feena reaches into her bag and presents the bundle of letters to Sturm.
Sturm: Thanks.
Drang: Before you zip off, Feena, I've got a question for you. How'd you know we'd be here?
Drang: Did you talk to (Captain)?
Feena: (Captain)? No, I got all my info from Donna.
Drang: Donna knew our location, huh?
Feena: Yeah, she told me exactly how to find you—gave me the place and time. That's why I rushed over as soon as I could before I missed you!
Drang: Seems like you really hustled. Thanks!
Feena: No problemo! Besides, it was just delivering a few letters.
Feena: All in a day's work—or less, with me on the job!
Feena: I guess you two are here on a job for the guild?
Drang: Uh, no, we aren't...
Feena: Huh... How'd Donna know you'd be here then?
Sturm: That's what I want to know...
Drang: That woman's something else, eh? Gives me the shivers just thinking about what she's capable of.
Feena: Haha, she really is on another level! Almost feels like she's seeing everything through a crystal ball or something, doesn't it?
Feena: Even I, the invincible and adorable Feena, can't do what she does...
Feena: You two have known her for a really long time, right? Has she always been like that?
Drang: Hmm... That's a good question.
Sturm: She hasn't changed at all.
Drang: Actually, since we're on the subject...
Drang: Ryan, what was the message from Donna that you were supposed to share?
Ryan: O-oh, oh yeah... She said, "They better show their ugly mugs around here sometime soon."
Ryan: But I guess since you already got your letters, maybe you don't need to return after all?
Drang: I'm not sure she wanted us back to pick up the mail.
Sturm: ...
Ryan: Well, whatever she wants, I'm glad you got your letters at least...
Feena: Aw, don't tell me you're sulking because you didn't get any mail.
Ryan: Hmph. Doesn't matter how long it takes—I can be patient.
Sturm: Didn't you just pay a visit to your hometown?
Drang: Sturm's got a point. You met up with your sis not even a week ago, didn't you?
Ryan: I went home, that's true. Whether or not I actually saw my lovely, adorable sister is another matter entirely.
Ryan: Which is to say... I didn't get to see her this time either!
Ryan: Why... Why does she hide every time I visit? She said she'd meet me the next time I came around!
Ryan: I'm so sad, I could just...
Ryan: Just roll over and cry!
Sturm: Are you kidding me?
Drang: Ahaha... Guy's got it pretty rough.
Ryan: Kunluuun!
Though Ryan cries desperately and with abandon, only the mountain echoes respond to his wailing.

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 3: On Commerce, and an Old Friend - Episode 1

A while after their encounter with Feena and Ryan, the mercenary duo finds themselves with no work. Drang then reveals that he's snagged them a big job, but they need an airship to do it. They prepare to contact a familiar face for help.


A week has passed since Ryan's message and Feena's letter delivery.
Sturm: ...
Drang: ...
Peek.
Sturm: What?
Drang: Well... You know, right?
Sturm: ...
Drang: Yeowch! Are you trying to make a Drang-kebab, Sturm?
Sturm: Stop dancing around the subject and cut to the chase!
Drang: O-okay, I get it! I'm sorry!
Drang: It's just... We've been job-free lately.
Drang: Not that I'm saying we need money right this second or anything.
Drang: But if this keeps up, we're gonna be in trouble eventually.
Drang: Sooo...
Sturm: There's a reason we're in this mess.
Drang: Huh? I mean, yeah...
Drang: Repairs on the Mad Clown after the last race weren't cheap, and I know that whole fiasco was my bad.
Sturm: That's not what I'm talking about. Why do you always...
Sturm: Never mind. Just get to the point already.
Drang: Right, well... I took the liberty of finding us a new gig.
Sturm: That was fast. How did you manage that?
Drang: I've had this in the works for a while now—it's a biggie!
Sturm: Uh-huh. So this is what you were up to these past few days?
Drang: There were other errands on the agenda, but essentially yes.
Drang: Disclaimer though: there's a catch.
Drang: This job's a little too big for just the two of us to handle.
Sturm: Which means?
Drang: We're gonna need an airship.
Sturm: If that's all...
Sturm: Then there's no problem. We already know who to ask.
Drang: Haha, we sure do.
Sturm: You took the job with them in mind, didn't you?
Drang: Haha! No hiding the facts from you.
Drang: Time's a-wasting. Let's go procure ourselves an airship!

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 3: On Commerce, and an Old Friend - Episode 2

The job Drang found is for transporting a merchant and his cargo to Nalhegrande through the Grim Basin, which means relying on (Captain)'s crew and the Grandcypher. Milleore and Sahli Lao join the mission as well, and Milleore comments on how rare it is for mercenaries to hire skyfarers.


Drang: You're the best, like, seriously. Thanks for the save, guys.
Sturm and Drang join (Captain) and crew on the Grandcypher's deck.
Lyria: Hehe, don't mention it! You're always there for us when we're in a pinch too.
Drang: Well aren't you just the sweetest thing. We appreciate the sentiment, right, Sturm?
Sturm: Mm...
The job Drang has found consists of transporting a merchant and his cargo.
However, the merchant seeks to cross skydoms from Phantagrande to Nalhegrande—an ambitious endeavor.
Vyrn: I gotta say, it's not every day you meet a guy who's gutsy enough to expand his business into another skydom!
Eugen: Not many folks would dream this big, that's for sure.
Merchant: They would have stayed dreams if I hadn't had the good fortune to meet companions like yourselves who would accompany me on this voyage.
Merchant: I'm hoping business goes well and we can arrange a partnership to continue cargo transports for a time...
Vyrn: Gettin' past the Grim Basin ain't no walk in the park, but we'll see what we can do!
Merchant: Thank you very much. I really appreciate it.
Sturm: I swear...
Standing at the periphery of the chatting group, Sturm sighs and gives Drang a sharp side-eye.
Sturm: Drang. If the Grim Basin's part of the route, then our only choice from the start was the Grandcypher. You knew that.
Drang: So it's lucky we're friends with the crew already, wouldn't you agree, O Great and Mighty (Captain)?
  1. We've got you covered.
  2. Our fee won't be cheap.

Choose: We've got you covered.
Sturm: You're way too nice for your own good. Keep that up and you'll be swarmed by guys like him.
Drang: Yep, yep. We appreciate the help this time around, but being too helpful all the time is—
Drang: Wait, did you just say "guys like him"? Are you talking about me?
Drang: How could you be so mean, Sturm? I thought we were partners—two halves of one whole! Like bread and butter!
Sturm: Pipe down!
Drang: Gyah!

Choose: Our fee won't be cheap.
Sturm: Heh. You're learning.
Drang: You don't have to worry about that. We don't leave our debts unpaid.
Continue 1
Vyrn: Eh, we owe you for helping us out with the request before, so consider us even.
Eugen: That reminds me... Sierokarte brought it up last time, but is the Mercenary's Guild fine with this?
Eugen: Contacting a crew directly for a job seems like it'd grind some gears.
Sturm: Dunno. Don't care.
Sturm: It's not like the guild has well-defined rules.
Sturm: We're free to complete requests whichever way we want to.
Eugen: You're not wrong, but...
Drang: Let's not nitpick the details! Just go with the flow, whatever happens.
???: Only you two would be so lax in regards to the guild.
???: But it makes sense since Sturm and Drang have already achieved so much and earned the guild's trust!
Drang: Hello, Milleore! Hello, Sahli Lao! Good to see another dynamic duo join us.
Milleore is a fellow mercenary, while Sahli Lao is a soldier on leave. The two are childhood friends who once belonged to the same military unit.
After many years, they have reunited aboard (Captain)'s ship and rekindled their bond.
Milleore: I've never really heard of mercenaries asking skyfarers to cooperate on a request.
Milleore: Usually an intermediary is involved, or skyfarers employ mercenary services.
Drang: Oh? That's the norm?
Eugen: Back when I was a merc, I had times when I worked with an old skyfarer pal of mine...
Milleore: Your case was special in a different way—you had so many connections, your working with skyfarers didn't arouse any suspicions.
Sahli Lao: I think bonding with lots of people is important though!
Sahli Lao: I mean, isn't it wonderful to be able to rely on one another when one of you's in need?
Milleore: Lao's as positive as always, as you can see.
Sahli Lao: Hehe, you say that, Milly, but would you have agreed to help our friends here if you didn't believe in treasuring our bonds too?
Milleore: I was hired... and I intend to do my job. No more, no less.
In contrast to her biting words, Milleore's cheeks redden under Sahli Lao's knowing smile.

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 3: On Commerce, and an Old Friend - Episode 3

The Grandcypher's trip through the Grim Basin is interrupted by a swarm of monsters. Realizing that the monsters are behaving strangely, Drang leaves the deck to Sturm while he goes to check the cargo in the hold.


Not long after the Grandcypher enters the Grim Basin, a shadow falls upon its deck.
Monster: ...!
Sturm: !
Sturm remains steadfast at the sudden appearance of a monster and swiftly swipes at it.
Sturm: Back off!
Sahli Lao: Whoa, that was fast!
Milleore: Her reputation is no accident.
Drang: Hehe... Isn't Sturm just the best? She's super strong, right?
Vyrn: Why are you the one acting proud about that?
Lyria: Ehehe. Maybe it's a thing partners do.
Drang: Oooh, she called us partners!
Lyria: To be honest, whenever (Captain), or Vyrn, or anybody else in the crew gets complimented for their hard work...
Lyria: It makes me really happy too, almost as if I was the one being praised instead! Don't you feel the same way, Vyrn?
Vyrn: Haha, I guess I know what you're talkin' about.
Sturm: Hey! What are you all jabbering for? Now's not the time to relax!
Drang: Whoopsie-daisy! Looks like we've got more company.
Lyria: Ah! There's a lot of them!
Sturm: These are Grim Basin monsters, so no fooling around!
Drang: I know, I know!
Drang: Mister Client, sir, how's about taking refuge inside the ship while we deal with this?
Merchant: O-okay!
Once the merchant disappears safely below deck, Drang turns his attention back to the approaching danger.
Drang: Now it would be great if we could wrap this up quickly, but...
Monster: ...!
Sturm: How are there this many!
Drang: Yikes... Was the Grim Basin always this bad?
Lyria: We have the Sky Map pieces to go off of, so usually it isn't an issue...
Vyrn: Eyes up ahead! We've got a big one comin'!
Large Monster: ...!
Drang: Guess we've gotta split up if we want to keep both the bow and the stern protected.
Eugen: Leave the stern to me! The rest of you head up front!
Vyrn: Watch out for yourself!
Eugen: Don't you worry 'bout a thing!
Milleore: Lao, we'll handle the swarms on the sides.
Sahli Lao: Roger that, Milly!
Drang: They really have their stuff together.
Sturm: Stay focused! We've got our own problem to deal with!
Large Monster: ...!
Drang: Oh boy, Grim Basin monsters sure are scary!
The battle to protect the Grandcypher begins in earnest.
Milleore: Lao, above you!
Sahli Lao: Yah!
Milleore: You're not getting away!
Milleore: Pant... Gasp...
Sahli Lao: Milly! There's no end to them!
Milleore: Don't panic. I'm sure (Captain) and the others know what they're doing.
Vyrn: Eep!
A monster attempts to sink its claws into Vyrn, but (Captain) dashes in and strikes it away.
Vyrn: Whew, thanks for that!
Lyria: Are you hurt at all?
Vyrn: Nah, I'm good! I'd be even better if I could figure out why there's so many of these uglies comin' at us.
Lyria: This is definitely a first...
Sturm: There has to be a reason why they're swarming.
Vyrn: Well, don't ask me.
Drang: Hmm. Sturm, ol' buddy ol' pal? I've been wondering something.
Drang: Aren't these monsters moving kinda strangely?
Sturm: Strangely? How so?
Sturm: ...!
Sturm: Milleore! Sahli Lao!
Milleore: What?
Sahli Lao: Yes?
Sturm: Stop attacking for ten... no, five seconds!
Sahli Lao: Copy that!
Milleore: Just make sure you don't get yourselves injured.
Monster: ...!
The monsters immediately swarm the ship from all sides.
Lyria: Ah!
(Captain) moves protectively in front of Lyria and Vyrn.
Vyrn: Wh-what the heck? Sturm, what're you doin'!
Sturm: Tch, Drang!
Drang: I know, I know, I got it! They're crowding around the hold.
Sturm: The hold? But we checked all the cargo before loading.
Drang: Then I'll just have to check one more time! You can hold out a little longer, right?
Sturm: Of course. Now go!
Drang: Okaaay!

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 3: On Commerce, and an Old Friend - Episode 4

Drang speaks with the merchant and deduces that the cargo must be attracting the monsters. He begins to haul crates up to throw overboard, and enlists Lyria's and Vyrn's help. Once the other crew members join in, Drang goes back to (Captain) and the others, and together they hold the monsters off while the cargo is disposed of.


Drang: There you are!
Merchant: Master Drang! U-um... is everything all right outside?
Drang: Didn't I tell you to stop calling me "master"? Ah well, now's not the time.
Drang: We're in a bit of a bind at the moment.
Evidence of the monsters' onslaught can be felt even down in the hold, as the ship rocks and rattles from a series of impacts.
Merchant: B-but you have a handle on the situation, don't you?
Drang: We will eventually. First, could you go over what you brought onboard again?
Merchant: By all means. Here's a list of everything I brought.
Drang: Thank you! Let's see here...
Drang: Lots of textiles, metal utensils, spices... Those are preserved so no issues there. Then you've got aromatic oils...
Merchant: Exactly as I declared before—nothing dangerous.
Drang: Sniff, sniff...
Drang: You brought a lot of oils, but I don't smell any of them.
Merchant: I had them wrapped tightly and packed so that nothing would leak out.
Merchant: Once the seal is broken, the potency—and the price—drops, you see.
Drang: Makes sense. Volatile substances, aren't they?
Merchant: Still, the packaging isn't perfect, and animals with a keen sense of smell could detect—
Drang: So that's the culprit then.
Merchant: Wh-what is?
Drang: But what do we do about it...
Drang: We don't really have the time to search through all the crates, and the scent will only spread the longer we wait...
Merchant: Master Drang, what...
Drang: Could we please quit the "master" stuff? Agh, that's a conversation for later. Anyway, let me start by saying...
Drang: I'm really, really, really sorry for what's coming!
Drang bows low, much to the merchant's confusion.
Merchant: E-excuse me?
Drang: Now that the apology's outta the way, we can get right to throwing all the cargo overboard!
Merchant: Master Drang, what are you doing?
Drang: C'mon, how hard is it to drop the "master" and stick with only my name?
Merchant: I'm sorry—old habits die hard. But for now, the cargo...
Drang: Right, right. I'll explain while we lug the boxes.
Drang: You grab that one there!
Merchant: O-okay.
Drang and the merchant swiftly lift what they can and start moving.
Drang: Different monsters have different reactions to scents, so depending on the monster, a scent can either repel or attract them.
Merchant: Yes, I'm quite aware. People use this knowledge to manipulate monster behavior, mix repellents, and other such things.
Drang: Yep, exactly.
Drang: I'm almost certain that we have a case of scent-attracting-the-monsters happening with your cargo.
Merchant: Impossible!
Merchant: Nothing I brought should have that effect on any monsters!
Drang: I thought the same thing. But that was before I remembered—
Drang: We're taking a trip through the Grim Basin.
Merchant: Oh!
Drang: Monsters in these parts are pretty different from what we're used to.
Merchant: This is very true...
Drang: Which means, as much as I hate to say it, we have to throw everything out.
Merchant: Ugh...
Drang: I'm sorry...
Merchant: No, you don't need to apologize. This is a matter of safety.
Merchant: When I began this journey, I fully understood that crossing skydoms could result in considerable losses, and took such factors into account already.
Drang: Haha, logical as ever! I was waiting for that side of you to come through.
Merchant: With how many crates there are, we shouldn't tarry any longer!
Drang: You got it!
Vyrn: Oh! Found ya!
Lyria: There you are, Drang!
Drang: Oho? What are you two doing?
Vyrn: (Captain) and Sturm told us to come help you out!
Drang: That's real kind of them! Good timing too!
Lyria: The crates you're carrying are the ones we're supposed to be delivering, aren't they?
Drang: Yep. We have to get all of 'em out onto the deck, and the more hands, the merrier!
Vyrn: Guess I'll save the questions for later if we gotta rush along.
Lyria: We'll definitely help!
Drang: Oh yeah. Once you're up on deck, dump the cargo off the ship.
Lyria: Huh? We're throwing everything away?
Drang: If you could direct your questions to our friendly client here, that'd be a big favor!
Vyrn: G-gotcha!
Drang: Then off I go! I'm counting on you—no time to lose!
Drang: Sturm!
Sturm: That took way too long!
Drang: Sorry 'bout that!
Sturm: Did you figure out the problem?
Drang: Of course.
Drang: I left the rest to Vyrn and Lyria, so let's clear out some of these monsters, shall we?
Drang: Catch!
Sturm: Hah!
Drang: (Captain), over there!
(Captain) whips around and cuts down an approaching monster.
Sturm: Strategy's to hold them off then?
Drang: Yeah, preferably for as long as possible.
Sturm: Got it. Then let's keep going like we have been. Milleore and Sahli Lao can handle the sides, and we can deal with that one.
Large Monster: ...!
Drang: Okay! C'mon, (Captain)!

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 4: On Quick Breathers, and Taverns - Episode 1

All the cargo is thrown off the ship, and the monsters follow after the falling crates. With nothing left to sell, the Grandcypher returns to Phantagrande, and Drang parts with the merchant who has been calling him "Master Drang." In the peaceful streets of Agastia, Sturm and Drang enter a new tavern for a breather.


Lyria: Heave-ho! Heave-ho!
Vyrn: Pick up the pace!
Crew members follow Lyria and Vyrn's lead as they rush to clear out the Grandcypher's hold.
Eugen: You really okay with us throwing all your stock overboard?
Merchant: Yes, please do it!
Eugen: Gotcha. Let 'em loose!
Lyria: Here we go! Hup!
Small Monster: ...?
Small Monster: ...!
Sahli Lao: Whoa, those monsters left real fast!
Milleore: They're chasing after the cargo.
Vyrn: I dunno what's happenin', but let's keep tossing stuff!
Large Monster: ...!
Within a short amount of time, the swarming monsters have all detached themselves from the ship to pursue the plummeting crates.
Sturm: Are... we in the clear?
Drang: I think so.
As the monsters disappear into the distance, every party on the ship breathes a sigh of relief.
Vyrn: That was a close one.
Lyria: I definitely didn't expect to have such an adventure.
Merchant: I'm so sorry for the immense trouble I've caused!
Eugen: Don't be. You didn't mean to start up a monster mash, right? And it ended up being a good lesson for us.
Merchant: Thank you for your understanding...
Vyrn: Now that the danger's passed, we should probably clean up, huh?
Lyria: There's a lot of mess that calls for cleaning!
Drang: Sorry about, well, everything that's happened.
Merchant: Ah, D-Drang.
While the crew begins to clear away the mess on the deck, Drang pulls the merchant aside for a private conversation.
Drang: That was the majority of your merchandise, wasn't it?
Merchant: It was, but I suppose it's found a new home somewhere else in the skies.
Drang: I feel partly responsible for the loss, what with me being your escort and everything...
Merchant: If we're going to talk about responsibility, then part of it falls to me as well.
Merchant: Besides, you did your job as an escort perfectly well. I'm still alive and standing.
Merchant: The contract, as you might recall, only guaranteed my personal safety and not the cargo's.
Drang: Hmm... You're too nice, you know. Way too kind.
Drang: That part of you hasn't changed a bit.
Merchant: Well, you seem to have changed plenty over the years.
Drang: Have I now?
Merchant: And I must say, Master Drang, having you apologize to me doesn't sit quite right.
Drang: Not this again! Stop calling me that!
Sturm: ...
Sturm: Hey.
Drang: Whoa! Hey yourself, Sturm! Did ya need something?
Sturm: Yes. More hands on deck. Go help.
Drang: Okay, I've got two I can offer. Work never ends, eh?
Drang waves at the merchant, who gives him a small, stealthy bow once his back is turned.
Drang: That job was rougher than expected, eh?
Sturm: Wasted the merchant's time, that's for sure.
After losing his merchandise, the merchant's plans for expansion had no hopes of coming to fruition.
A decision was made to head back to Phantagrande, and the Grandcypher changed course.
Sturm, Drang, and the merchant disembarked on Agastia. The two mercenaries currently find themselves walking through town.
Drang: The man still paid us though.
Sturm: ...
Sturm gives Drang a piercing stare.
Drang: Um... Is something on my face?
Sturm: No. I'm just drained. That ship is too lively.
Drang: Hahaha, they sure know how to keep their energy up!
Drang: Oh, Sturm, check it out. That tavern wasn't here the last time we visited, right? Must be new.
Sturm: Can't hurt to try it.
Drang: Sounds good to me.
With the sun setting on the horizon, the two mercenaries step through the doors of a new establishment.

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 4: On Quick Breathers, and Taverns - Episode 2

A couple of drunk mercenaries overhear Sturm and Drang discuss their most recent job with (Captain) and the crew, and the drunks harass the duo over "aiding the competition." Sturm insults the unwelcome guests, which leads one of them to grab her and rustle a letter loose from her pocket. Drang is quick to retrieve it, and the drunks turn tail once they figure out who they're picking a fight with.


Tavern Keeper: Welcome! Have a seat anywhere you like.
Drang: Phew... I'm so hungry I could eat a whole boar.
Sturm: Same here.
Drang: Oh, Sturm. You dropped this.
Sturm: Huh?
Drang: Here you go.
Drang hands her a folded sheet of paper which appears to be a letter that had fallen from her bag.
Sturm: Thanks.
Drang: Don't mention it.
Rather than pry into the letter's contents, Drang plops down at a table.
Drang: What do you feel like eating? Wait, drinks first, right?
Sturm: Beer. I'll leave the food to you.
Drang: Right-o.
Drang: 'Scuse me!
Tavern Keeper: Be right there!
The duo enthusiastically digs into their hard-earned meal. Shortly after their orders arrive, the conversation naturally drifts to their previous job.
Drang: Having an airship is pretty handy when we take on requests on like that.
Sturm: Don't tell me you want one.
Drang: I wish we could, but I know a two-person team isn't enough for maintenance.
Sturm: Besides, there's plenty of work on the ground.
Drang: Can't argue there!
Drang: (Captain) and the crew are always around if we ever need a hand anyway, just like this last time.
Sturm: Sure. That ship and the crew on it are both easy to use.
Drang: There you go again, acting detached and aloof like you don't care.
Drang: But (Captain) and the rest have always treated us well and gone out of their way for us, yeah?
Drang: Why don't you—
???: Hey, you two! I'm talking to you!
Drang: Huh?
Drunk Merc 1: You both're mercs too, ain't ya?
Drang: Yeah, we are...
Drunk Merc 1: We heard everythin'. The heck are ya playin' at? What would self-respectin' mercs be hangin' around with skyfarers for?
Drunk Merc 2: Sheesh, morons like you are gettin' to be a real problem these days!
Drang: Um...
Drang gives an awkward smile at the drunken mercenaries who have surrounded their table.
Drunk Merc 2: Are you stupid? Those skyfarers are taking away our jobs! They're the competition!
Drang: Sigh...
Drunk Merc 1: Although if you're so weak you're relyin' on skyfarers for help, you probably weren't gettin' a lotta work in the first place.
Drunk Merc 2: And shut yer traps! Don't want more mercs gettin' the wrong ideas and joinin' up with a crew!
Drunk Merc 1: You guys got any pride in ya?
Drang: Haha, well...
Drang deflects the accusations with half-hearted responses as the drunken men grow heated.
Sturm, on the other hand, pays no attention to the commotion and continues to dig wholeheartedly into her food.
Sturm: Munch, munch...
Drang: C'mon, Sturm, help a guy out over here.
Sturm: Pass. You deal with it.
Drang: Ouch, that's cold...
Drunk Merc 1: Hey, are you listenin' to us?
Drunk Merc 2: We're tryin' ta give you a free lesson on merc pride, you ungrateful punks!
Drang: Haha, sorry, thanks a bunchies!
Drunk Merc 2: The two of us actually just wrapped up a job trainin' soldiers on a nearby island.
Drunk Merc 1: Wasn't easy work, lemme tell ya! Weaker folks could never handle it!
Drunk Merc 2: Hahaha! You got that right!
Drunk Merc 2: But that wasn't all we did.
Drang: Munch, munch...
Drunk Merc 1: Are you payin' attention?
Drang: Chew... Of course I am! If you ask me, I recommend trying out this tasty snack called "oden" while you're here on Agastia...
Drunk Merc 2: Who asked you for recommendations! Listen to us! Darn it, these two...
Drunk Merc 2: We're top-class mercs, so we went the extra mile with those soldiers.
Drunk Merc 1: Which means we did a half-baked job! Like heck were we gonna train them right!
Drunk Merc 2: Hahaha! Yeah, what idiot would teach the competition how to do their jobs better?
Drang: Wowzers, that's something. Really, sure is something.
Drunk Merc 1: The worse the soldiers are at their jobs, the more jobs flow in for us!
Drunk Merc 2: That's how the world works, got it?
Sturm: Pfft.
Sturm: As if.
Drunk Merc 1: Huh?
One of the drunk men hears Sturm's quiet remark and narrows his eyes at her.
Drunk Merc 1: Lady. You've been pretty rude this whole time. What's yer deal?
Sturm: So your senses were sharp enough to hear that. Guess it's not the alcohol to blame for your idiotic behavior.
Drunk Merc 1: What'd you say!
Sturm: ...
Drunk Merc 1: You little jerk!
The mercenary grabs Sturm's arm, jostling her enough to knock the letter out of her pocket.
Drunk Merc 1: The heck?
Sturm: ...!
The letter tumbles to the ground by the drunken man's feet, where he swipes it up before Sturm can reach it.
Drunk Merc 1: A letter?
Drang: Okay, stop right there!
Drunk Merc 1: Hey!
Drang: How about forking that over?
His expression as genial as ever, Drang clamps down on the man's wrist with alarming pressure.
Drunk Merc 1: Owch... Ow!
Drunk Merc 2: What're you doin'! You askin' for a fight, punk?
Drang: Who, me? Why, I would never bother other people with a spectacle like that.
Drunk Merc 1: Yeowowow!
Sturm: Enough.
Sturm pats Drang's arm.
Sturm: Stop it, Drang.
She reaches up and plucks the letter out of the drunk man's slackened grip.
Drang: You sure? Well, if that's what you want...
Drang releases his hand and relaxes into an easygoing grin.
Drang: Did that hurt? I'm so sowwy.
Drunk Merc 1: Why, you...
Drunk Merc 2: Hold up a minute!
Drunk Merc 1: Outta the way! These two—
Drunk Merc 2: Are Drang... and Sturm, right? That's what you called each other.
Sturm: Your point?
Drunk Merc 2: That means...
Drunk Merc 1: What? Spit it out, man!
Drunk Merc 2: Don't tell me you've never heard of 'em before? Y'know, the infamous mercenary duo...
Drunk Merc 2: A Draph named Sturm and an Erune named Drang.
Drunk Merc 1: Pssh, them? Of course I've heard of... Huh? Are you tellin' me these two are the Maelstroms of Discord?
Drang: Oh my, have we really made such a name for ourselves? Should I start carrying a pen for autographs?
Sturm: Sigh... Ridiculous, all of it.
Drunk Merc 1: You've gotta be kiddin' me...
Drunk Merc 2: W-we should get outta here!
Drunk Merc 1: Don't leave me behind! Wait up!
Drang: Aaand they're gone.
Sturm: So is the peaceful dinner I wanted.

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 4: On Quick Breathers, and Taverns - Episode 3

The mercenary duo puts the tavern behind them after the confrontation. Sturm explains that the letter was from her family and shares a bit of her past with Drang. Her dad was a mercenary while her sickly mom took care of her and her other siblings. They weren't well-off, but they lived happily together regardless.


One apology to the tavern keeper later, Sturm and Drang make their way outside.
Drang: The food took me on a trip to flavor town, but after that mess, it'd be kind of awkward to go in there again.
Sturm: You always sweat the small things. Just walk in when you want.
Drang: Whaaat? Give me a whiff—I'm not sweaty at all!
An easy silence settles over the two as they walk through town, but after a pause, Sturm initiates another conversation.
Sturm: Back there...
Sturm: You noticed the letter was from my family, didn't you?
Drang: Uh, no? I had no idea.
Drang: But I guess I know now. You sure you're okay with spilling the beans to me?
Sturm: I don't mind.
Drang: I see...
Drang: Well, I just had a gut feeling that the letter was important to you.
Drang: Back at the guild, you were always getting stuff in the mail, and every time something came you got a little spark in your eyes.
Sturm: ...
Stop monitoring people. It's a creepy hobby.
Drang: Who said I was doing that?
Drang: Maybe I've just been around you long enough to notice.
Drang gives an exaggerated shake of his head, then cracks a smile.
Drang: So all that mail was from your family.
Sturm: Yeah... From my brothers and sisters.
Oldest Brother: Siiis! Dad's home!
Middle Sister: Daddy's baaack!
Youngest Brother: Yay! Daddy!
Dad: Hey, hey, I'm home you little squirts!
My dad was a mercenary.
Dad: Did you all behave while I was gone?
He was often away for work, but that only made each homecoming a bigger occasion.
Middle Brother: I listened to Mommy!
Youngest Sister: Yeah, we helped her with the chores.
Dad: Oh? You kiddos are just the best. Thanks for helping her out!
Mom: Hehehe. They really pulled their weight, but they also pulled quite a few pranks too.
My mom was a kind and cheerful person, despite becoming frail and ill after having my youngest brother.
Mom: Everyone's big sis here was a great help.
Young Sturm: I just did what I could...
Dad: And thank you for it. I wouldn't be able to leave for work in good conscience if you weren't here to hold the fort.
Young Sturm: Hehe...
I loved it when my dad would ruffle my hair.
Middle Brother: Sis, stop hogging him!
Youngest Sister: Me next, me next!
Oldest Brother: C'mon everyone, don't be selfish!
My siblings were rowdy, but they made home feel warm and comforting.
Mom: Okay, okay, let's head inside! It's time for dinner.
As long as I had my family, nothing could be wrong with the world.
Young Sturm: I helped with dinner, since I knew you were coming back today...
Dad: Really now? I can't wait to get a taste!
We weren't well-off, but what we lacked in riches, we more than made up for in our peaceful, happy days together.

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 4: On Quick Breathers, and Taverns - Episode 4

After Sturm's dad passed away in a job-related accident, she became the family's breadwinner. However, in the present, her siblings have long since grown into adults; she insists she doesn't need Drang to dig through his own troubled past to help find them jobs. Drang begs to be introduced to Sturm's siblings someday, but Sturm says they already know him through her letters, leading the man to cause a happy ruckus in the streets as they head for another tavern.


Young Sturm: Haah! Taah!
Dad: Nice! Now counterattack there!
Young Sturm: ...!
Yaah!
Dad: All right! Let's stop here!
Young Sturm: Pant... Wheeze...
Dad: You know, you've got quite the swing.
Whenever my dad was between jobs, he taught me swordplay.
Young Sturm: Really? Do you think I'll be as good as you someday?
Dad: Nah, I think you'll be better than me in no time if you keep this up!
I guess thinking back on it now, my dad wasn't that great at fighting.
But I never would've gotten as good as I am now if he hadn't taught me the basics.
Young Sturm: Mom, I'll make enough money for us.
Mom: But...
My dad died in a job-related accident.
We grieved. A lot.
But I knew grieving wouldn't put food on the table. I had to be the one to support the family from that point onwards.
Young Sturm: It'll be fine. Dad taught me, so I know what to do.
Mom: Then... promise me you'll be careful.
Young Sturm: I will. Just leave everything to me.
I started by taking every single request I could in our village.
Then I found work in nearby towns.
The more I used my skills, the more they improved, and the more I got paid per job.
Middle Sister: Stay safe out there, Sis. When's the next time you're coming back?
Oldest Brother: I'm starting to help out at the blacksmith's and making some money too.
Youngest Brother: Hey, Sis, I was out hunting in the forest and caught this really big bird.
I always had my family, no matter what happened.
Every swing of my sword was for their sake, but I never once thought of them as a burden.
Sturm: My mom, being so frail, eventually passed away some years after my dad.
Sturm: But two of my siblings were already old enough to handle things while I was gone.
Drang: I see...
Sturm: Once I met Donna and the guild was established...
Sturm: She let me use the guild headquarters as my mailing address.
Drang: Considering our line of work has us running around the entire skydom and beyond, that was definitely the right call.
Sturm: Yeah.
Sturm grows quiet, her story finished.
Drang: ...
Hey, Sturm. Why share all that with me?
Sturm: I mean... It's not like I was trying to hide my past.
Drang: Yeah?
Sturm: But you...
Drang: What?
Sturm: ...
Sturm: My brothers and sisters are all adults standing on their own two feet now. They don't need my help anymore.
Drang: Right, they're all grown up, eh?
Sturm: So...
Sturm: I only need enough money to be able to cover my day-to-day expenses.
Drang: Oh... Yeah.
Sturm: Which means you don't need to go out of your way to find requests for us to take.
Drang: I didn't... go out of my way for that last job.
Drang: That merchant's just an acquaintance from way back when.
Drang: He traded with my family, and he's a pretty good guy despite doing business with them.
Drang: I didn't dislike working with him...
Sturm: As long as you weren't forcing yourself to take the job.
Sturm: He paid well. I wouldn't mind working for him again.
Drang: Ahaha, guess I can't hide anything from you.
Drang: But if we're gonna be running around searching for stuff to do, you should take the time to introduce me to your family! Whaddya say?
Sturm: You don't need an introduction. They've already heard about you in my letters.
Drang: Wait, what?
Sturm: Wh-what? Why are you looking at me like that?
Drang: Because! I'm super-duper pleased as punch that you, all on your own, would tell your family about me!
Sturm: D-don't get the wrong idea! You're just a convenient topic to write about when nothing else is going on!
Drang: So what do you say about me? Spill!
Sturm: Listen to me!
Drang: Ye... owch? No, I'm too happy to feel pain right now!
Sturm: You...
Drang: Wait, are you drunk? Is that why you're sharing so much right now?
Sturm: You really think that was enough to get me drunk?
Drang: Oh, I guess not. Good point. Hehehe...
Sturm: Forget you! I'm finding another place to drink!
Drang: Ah! Don't leave me behind, Stuuurm! I'm coming with you!
Sturm: Shut up! Stay away!
Drang: Yeowow! Okay, that was a serious attempt on my life, wasn't it?
Sturm: Yeah, it was!
Drang: Sheesh, you really gotta find better outlets for your embarrassment!
Sturm: I am not embarrassed!
As the city lights glow warmly in the night, the mercenaries' voices carry energetically through the streets.

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 5: On Leadership, and the Iron Spear - Episode 1

Sturm and Drang meet with Herja in a cafe. Herja has hired them to help give her advice on what to do about her mercenary group, the Iron Spear. Her mercenaries wish for her to cut ties with (Captain)'s crew who has been helping her search for her scattered family.


One day, the mercenary duo enters a cafe located on Port Breeze.
Drang: Our client should be right around...
???: ...
Drang: There. Heeey!
???: Ah, hello!
Waiting for the duo is Herja, commander of the Iron Spear—a band of mercenaries.
Herja is also a member of (Captain)'s crew, having joined to search for the scattered remnants of her family.
Drang: Sorry, I hope you didn't wait too long.
Herja: Not at all. Allow me to apologize for calling you out here so suddenly.
Sturm: Don't be. It's all part of the job.
Herja: Ah, yes, the job...
Drang: Let's get straight to it then... You said you wanted to consult us about something?
Herja: Indeed. As you both are experienced mercenaries, as well as good friends with (Captain)'s crew...
Herja: I thought that you might be able to guide me on a certain matter.
Iron Spear 1: Commander, we are in desperate need of your assistance.
Herja: As the head of the Iron Spear, I would do anything within my power to assist our group.
Herja: And I am sure I don't need to remind you all of that, so I am unclear on why you seem so reticent in your request.
Iron Spear 1: We understand this, ma'am. But lately...
Iron Spear 1: Well, we're struggling to complete missions and requests...
Herja: Sounds to me like all of you need more training.
Herja: It's been a while since I held a training session for all of you, but I'll soon whip you back into shape.
Iron Spear 1: You'd really do that for us? Oh, it's been so long...
Iron Spear 1: Wait, no, now's not the time to be distracted by temptation.
Iron Spear 1: Practice is important and we would love to have it, but our current problem isn't related to that.
Herja: Then what is the issue? Please be frank.
Iron Spear 1: R-right, so... Um, we've been getting into a lot of fights with skyfarers...
Herja: With skyfarers?
Iron Spear 1: Yes, that's one problem, but because of it, we've got another...
Iron Spear 1: People have started saying some bad things about you, Commander, since you have ties with a crew.
Herja: So there are those who are unsatisfied with my behavior...
Iron Spear 1: I'm sorry, Commander. I didn't want to say it, but...
Iron Spear 1: Could we go back to the way things used to be?
Iron Spear 1: Would you quit that crew, let them go their way, and focus on leading the Iron Spear?
Herja: ...
Iron Spear 1: Of course, we still support your search for your scattered family.
Iron Spear 1: But given the present situation...
Herja: I understand. Please give me some time to think about this.

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 5: On Leadership, and the Iron Spear - Episode 2

Despite Herja's worries over her situation, Sturm contends that it's not as complicated as she makes it out to be. Herja should do what she wants to do, and not concern herself with the rivalries between crews and mercenaries. However, Herja responds that she cannot act so simply, feeling that her choice will lead to abandoning one side or the other. Before they can come to a conclusion, an Iron Spear member rushes into the room in a panic.


Drang: Ditch (Captain) and the crew, eh?
Drang hums in thought after hearing Herja's story.
Drang: Your mercs are surprisingly outspoken.
Herja: They aren't the type of people to voice empty complaints.
Herja: Which means I cannot in good conscience dismiss their concerns.
Herja: What do you think I should do?
Drang: Weeell...
Drang: I'm not sure we're in the best position to give advice, considering we're not much for groups. Leadership's outside our area of expertise.
Herja: I suppose so... I guess I—
Sturm: Sounds like you're not dancing to your own tune anymore.
Herja: Not my own tune... Perhaps so...
Sturm: If you don't like it, change it.
Sturm: Simple as that.
Herja: What...
Herja: Are you asking me to choose between the Iron Spear and (Captain)'s crew?
Sturm: I didn't say that.
Sturm: Our world's a competitive one, and only the strong will get work and rewards.
Herja: I fully understand that.
Herja: Everyone does when they choose to be a mercenary, including the Iron Spear members.
Sturm: So then why bother worrying about little details like who's a merc and who's a skyfarer?
Herja: Oh...
A look of recognition crosses Herja's face.
Drang: Mercs, skyfarers... The more you think about it, the more you realize we're all just peas in a pod, eh?
Herja: Perhaps...
Sturm: ...
Sturm: Our positions and situations are completely different.
Sturm: But I know what it's like to value your comrades.
Herja: Right.
Sturm: Severing those connections isn't necessarily going to make you free.
Sturm: Even if you lessen your burdens by cutting ties with people, there's no guarantee that makes life any easier for you.
Drang: You got that right...
Herja: Comrades, burdens, and freedom...
Sturm: No good comes of getting hung up on words.
Herja: But...
Sturm: Just live the way you want to. I don't think it's as hard as you make it out to be.
Herja: I'm not sure I can. Maybe I'm being naive, but I can't quite see it the way you do.
A heavy silence falls over the three as Herja trails off.
Drang: Y'know, maybe thinking itself is the problem.
Drang's words leave Herja blinking in confusion.
Drang: Coming from me, it might sound like I'm yanking your chain, but...
Drang: Herja, you strike me as the type of person who does better taking action than waiting around pondering.
Herja: Maybe you're onto something. A bit of training to clear my head might do the trick.
Sturm: Sounds good to me.
Herja: Perhaps the two of you would care to—
Iron Spear 1: Commander! Commander Herja!
Herja: Wh-what is it?
Iron Spear 1: Very sorry to interrupt, but—
Iron Spear 1: We've got a situation in the town square!

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 5: On Leadership, and the Iron Spear - Episode 3

Heated shouting and arguments break out between skyfarers and mercenaries in the town square. Herja tries to reason with words, but they fall on deaf ears. Sturm and Herja proceed to beat sense into all arguing parties.


Iron Spear 2: Listen here, moron! You think we're just gonna take that lying down?
Skyfarer 1: Ha! What's a merc with no ship gonna do, flap your arms after us?
Skyfarer 1: Better give up before you hurt yourself, rocks-for-brains.
Iron Spear 3: Shut your trap! If you're so proud of your fancy-shmancy ship, then stay on it!
Iron Spear 3: Transport cargo for the rest of your life like the good little pack mules you are!
Skyfarer 2: The hell did you just say!
Herja: What in the skies is happening here?
Skyfarers and Iron Spear mercenaries crowd the town square, shouting and screaming into each other's faces.
Drang: Oh boy, they're really getting heated.
Herja: All of you, cease this nonsense at once!
Skyfarer 1: Your brains must've rotted, being stuck on this tiny island!
Iron Spear 2: Oh yeah? And what about those pathetic twigs you call your legs? Been lazing around your ship too long?
Skyfarer 2: Say that again! I dare you!
Iron Spear 2: Hahaha! You wanna go? 'Cause I'm ready to show you a thing or two!
Iron Spear 3: We're combat pros, you know? Seems kinda unfair to beat a bunch of pack mules into the dirt, but if you insist!
Herja: Stop this immediately!
Herja's command falls on deaf ears.
Drang: Guess we missed our chance to keep things under control, but we can still cool these hotheads down.
Herja: How do you suggest we do that?
Sturm: Simple.
Sturm: We smack their thick skulls around.
Herja: I see... Understood.
Herja: Then please don't hold back. They've made their bed, let us put them to sleep in it.
Sturm: If that's what the commander wants. Let's go.
Sturm: Hah!
Skyfarer 1: Gah!
Skyfarer 2: The hell? You a pal of these mercs?
Sturm: No comment.
Skyfarer 2: Graaah!
Herja: What amazing finesse and skill... I must do my part as well!
Herja: Hup!
Iron Spear 2: Agh! C-Commander?
Herja: I hope all of you are ready for what's next.
Iron Spear 3: Why are you here, Commander?
Herja: To clean up my subordinates' mess!
Iron Spear 3: G-gaaah! Mercy, please—
Sturm and Herja take care of the skyfarers and mercenaries.
Drang: Okaaay, show's over, folks.
Drang: You'll get hurt if you get too close, so go home. Shoo, shoo.
Meanwhile Drang, breezy as ever, disperses the audience that has gathered to watch the commotion.

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 5: On Leadership, and the Iron Spear - Episode 4

Herja scolds her mercenaries greatly, reminding them that the Iron Spear banded together for strength in numbers and receiving better jobs, not to pick fights out of pride. She also comes to the realization that skyfarers and mercenaries aren't so different after all, and knows what to do about her dilemma now. Seeing Herja take matters into her own hands, Sturm bids a temporary farewell to Drang in order to sort out her own issues.


The fracas in the town square is broken up within minutes.
Iron Spear 2: Um, Commander, we...
Herja: Have you calmed down?
Iron Spear 3: Y-yes...
Skyfarer 1: Who the hell are these chicks?
Skyfarer 2: Stay outta our business!
Sturm: It's kind of amazing that runts like you bother arguing about who's "better" at your level. You think anyone cares when you're all bark and no bite?
Herja: Exactly so. If you have time to pick petty fights, then you may as well focus on tempering yourself first.
Skyfarer 1: Urgh...
Herja: That goes for you lot as well.
Iron Spear 2: Y-yes, Commander!
Herja: Giving in to your emotions and abandoning your discipline will only harm you, not help.
Herja: Especially for a simple rivalry between skyfarers and mercenaries.
Herja: We all understand that demonstrating strength is necessary to secure our daily sustenance in this world, don't we?
Iron Spear 3: Yes, of course...
Herja: In order to improve our strength and our earnings, we mercenaries banded together.
Herja: Not for the sake of recklessly quarrelling with other groups.
Though Herja's words are hard to swallow, she speaks the truth. The Iron Spear members hang their heads in shame.
Herja: I realize that, as mercenaries, competition is an inevitable part of our lives.
Herja: But starting a fight over pride is something I will not tolerate. There is to be no more of this rivalry nonsense between skyfarers and mercenaries.
Iron Spear 2: Yes, Commander. We will reflect upon our actions.
Herja: Come to me first if any issues arise. I will always have your back, as commander of the Iron Spear.
Iron Spear 3: Commander!
Herja: Also... I've only recently come to realize this myself, but skyfarers and mercenaries aren't so different if you think about it.
Herja: I hope you all can come to this understanding as well...
Herja finally turns her attention to the skyfarers nearby.
Herja: Could we come to a peaceful settlement?
Herja: I do sincerely apologize for the behavior of my subordinates...
Skyfarer 1: Nah, it's okay. Everything you just said was right, and we should be reflecting too.
Skyfarer 2: No arguments here... I doubt we'd be able take you on in combat or conversation anyway.
Herja: Oh...
Herja breathes a sigh of relief as the skyfarers exchange sheepish grins.
From a distance away, Sturm and Drang watch the scene with interest.
Drang: She's got her stuff together. Is that what it takes to be a leader, you think?
Sturm: Don't ask me. She's pretty decent in combat at least.
Drang: Ahaha, you were great out there too.
Drang: Takes a lot of skill to end a fight while you're going easy on your opponents. Color me impressed.
Sturm: I guess you would know, since you just sat on the sidelines and watched.
Drang: Aw, don't be that way! My fighting style's not suited for these situations, you know?
Drang: Besides, I was pretty busy managing curious onlookers and keeping them out of danger.
Sturm: Sigh... You call that being busy?
Drang: Besides, it seems like a little physical activity gave Herja her breakthrough, so clearly me staying out of the way was best for everybody!
Sturm: ...
Drang: Yeowie!
Drang: Why? What'd I even do this time?
Sturm: Your face pissed me off.
Drang: What kinda reason is that!
Sturm: Hmph.
Drang: Kidding aside, it looks like taking action really did help Herja out.
Drang: But what you said before also got through to her, eh?
Sturm: ...
Sturm: It would be hypocritical of me not to take my own advice then.
Drang: Uh, Sturm?
Sturm: I'm leaving for a bit.
Drang: Huh? By yourself?
Sturm: Yeah. I've got something I need to do.
Drang: In that case...
Drang: Have fun out there!
Drang waves goodbye at Sturm's retreating back as she walks away.

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 6: On Rebels, and the Mercenary's Guild - Episode 1

Sturm attempts to meet with Donna, the head of the Mercenary's Guild, and intends to have a conversation with her. Donna doesn't give Sturm the chance to speak before she pushes job after job onto Sturm, keeping her busy for days on end and delaying the conversation for the foreseeable future.


In the headquarters of the Mercenary's Guild in the Valtz Duchy, a Draph stalks through its halls.
Sturm: ...
Guild Merc 1: Whoa, it's Sturm!
Guild Merc 2: Sturm, what're you doing at HQ?
Guild Merc 1: Isn't it obvious? Donna probably summoned her...
Sturm: ...
Guild Merc 1: Eep!
Guild Merc 2: S-sorry to bother you!
Guild Merc 1: We'll be on our way! Excuse us!
Sturm: Hmph.
With a displeased grunt, Sturm picks up the pace and proceeds to the innermost room of the building.
Sturm: Don—
???: Sturm! You sure kept me waiting.
A cheery grin greets Sturm despite her rude entrance, and she frowns at the sight.
Sturm: Donna, listen—
Donna: You look well. I'm glad to see it.
Sturm: Lis—
Donna: Sorry to cut straight to the chase like this, but I've got work for you to do.
Sturm: Hey!
Donna: There aren't enough helping hands around lately, so the requests have been piling up.
Sturm: ...
Donna: I trust you can handle them. Here are the details.
Sturm: ...
Sigh.
Sturm sighs heavily but takes the documents.
Sturm: I'll finish fast. Once I'm done, you better listen to what I have to say.
Donna: Sure, sure. Good luck!
Donna: I trust you to handle whatever's thrown at you, but...
Donna: Can't you do something about that attitude?
Sturm: Hmph... What does that have to do with work?
Donna: It has everything to do with work.
Donna: You know how many folks out there can swing a blade and nothing else? You're just the tip of the iceberg.
Donna: Sheesh, this is why I can't take my eyes off you.
Sturm: No one asked you to bother with me.
Donna: Awww, no need to be shy about it!
Sturm: I am not being shy!
Donna: Ah, welcome back. Good timing. Here's the next job.
Sturm: The what?
Sturm doesn't even get the chance to make a report before Donna has thrown her another task.
Sturm: This is not what we agreed on!
Donna: Sorry, but we're in a bit of a rush. Counting on you.
Sturm: Hey!
Sturm returns after finishing the job.
Sturm: Donna, listen to me now—
Donna: Good timing! Take this stack of documents to my room.
Sturm: H-hey!
Sturm stumbles under the weight of the paper mountain thrust into her hands.
Donna: Once you get there, sort them into piles based on the rank of each request. Thanks!
Sturm: Now hold on just a minute!
Donna: Counting on you. I'll be back later!
Unsurprisingly, Sturm's irritation grows day by day as she is ignored and forced to labor.
Guild Merc 1: Sturm's been hanging around the guild a bunch lately.
Guild Merc 2: I heard Donna's running her ragged with work.
Guild Merc 1: You think that rumor's true then?
Guild Merc 2: What, you mean how Donna's gonna make Sturm the new guild leader?
Guild Merc 1: Yeah, that one. They knew each other before the guild was formed, right?
Guild Merc 1: If that's true, that'd make Sturm the top candidate for the title.
Guild Merc 2: Not that I'd mind having her lead, but what's gonna happen to Drang?
Guild Merc 1: You talking about the guy who's partnered with Sturm? I've never met him, but...
Guild Merc 2: Neither have I, but you've heard of him before, yeah? Whenever someone mentions Sturm, his name's always next to pop up.
Guild Merc 2: Now that you mention it, I guess they're a set since everyone calls them the Maelstroms—plural—of Discord.
Guild Merc 2: Oh, don't mention him in front of Donna, by the way.
Guild Merc 1: Why? Do they hate each other or something?
Guild Merc 2: I'm not sure, but...
Guild Merc 2: Even though Sturm and Drang are a really well-known pair...
Guild Merc 2: Sturm's the only one who ever visits HQ.
Guild Merc 2: There's gotta be a reason behind that, don't you think?
Guild Merc 1: Oh, maybe.
Donna: Haha... She really did a proper job.
Donna chuckles to herself as she checks over the documents Sturm brought to her room.
Donna: She really hasn't changed a bit... Adorable through and through.
???: Pardon me, Donna...
Donna: Wolke? What is it?
Wolke: Don't you feel it's about time to listen to what Sturm has to say?
The guild leader's assistant chides her sternly.
Donna: I suppose she does look like she's about to explode.
Wolke: Sigh... Mean-spirited as always, I see.
Donna: I already know what she's going to say anyway.
Wolke: Just as she already knows what you're trying to do.
Wolke: Which is why she avoided visiting headquarters for an extended period of time.
Donna: You're probably right, and yet here she is letting me pull her strings once again.
Wolke: I would imagine that's because you blocked all requests from being sent their way.
Donna: Eh, it's not like they need guild requests to stay afloat.
Wolke: While that may be the case...
Donna: Well, she's serious as serious can be, and adorable to boot. If only she wasn't quite such a straight arrow...
Wolke: I do not see her changing anytime soon.
Donna: Me neither.
With a wry smile, Donna rests her elbows on the documents Sturm has carefully sorted.
Donna: Will you get Sturm for me?
Wolke: As you wish.

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 6: On Rebels, and the Mercenary's Guild - Episode 2

Donna pushes one final job onto Sturm, one which may serve as an answer to the question Sturm has been intending to ask. The job is to aid the rebellion in the Erste Kingdom, and while Sturm initially objects, she eventually takes the job. She meets with Agielba, another mercenary and an old acquaintance, and questions him on why he became a mercenary—for money and fame, of course, but only as long as it's work his daughter can be proud of.


Donna: Sturm, why aren't you using your connections from previous jobs to find more work?
Sturm: It's not like I'm not trying.
Donna: Good grief. I expected better from someone with so much talent.
Donna: How about writing down the details of each job you finish in a notebook?
Donna: Keeping track of that sort of thing can help lead you to more job offers later on.
Sturm: ...
Donna: You know, you could really use a partner or someone who pays good attention to detail.
Sturm: I'm fine alone.
Donna: Sure, sure.
Donna: Seeing you like this really makes me think none of us are better off alone though. Maybe I should actually put that plan into motion.
Sturm: Are... you seriously going to form a guild?
Donna: Yeah. Lots of folks out there could use some help, just like you.
Sturm: ...
This isn't going to end well. There are too many independent hotheads among us mercenaries.
Donna: Hahaha! You don't need to tell me that.
Sturm: Then how...
Donna: I'm not gonna force people together if they want to do their own thing.
Donna: Everyone would be free to do what they like, whether that be roaming alone, with a partner, or as a whole gang.
Donna: They'd use the guild's services whenever the need arose.
Donna: Kind of like how skyfarers form crews to steer their ships—working together to accomplish what can't be done alone.
Donna: We could learn a lot from them, actually. Being independent's great most of the time, but there's plenty of drawbacks too.
Donna: After all, it's foolish to believe you'll never need anyone else's help at any point.
Donna: I'd just like us to have a guild to back us up when we reach that point.
Sturm: Yeah, uh-huh.
Donna: Wow... Can't you at least pretend to care about what I'm saying?
Sturm: Why? You're going to do what you want to anyway, regardless of my opinion.
Donna: Hahaha! True enough!
Sturm: Do you finally feel like listening to me?
Donna: Sorry, but that's gonna have to wait.
Sturm: What?
Donna: An important job came in, and it's got your name written all over it.
Sturm: Is this a ploy to avoid the conversation again?
Donna: There's a rebellion currently taking place in the Erste Kingdom, on the outskirts of Agastia.
Sturm: A rebellion in Erste...
Donna: Client's a former regional official of the Erste Empire. The request is for enough military might to stand against the kingdom's army.
Sturm: So you're telling me to join the rebels?
Donna: I know you've got connections in the Erste Kingdom.
Sturm: ...
Donna: But this is a job, and work is work.
Sturm: I know that!
Donna: Hear me out, Sturm.
Donna: The person who accepted this request was me. And the person I decided to give it to is you.
Donna: You'll find that the answer to the question you've been wanting to ask me lies in this job.
Sturm: ...
Sturm: Answer me one thing.
Donna: Hm?
Sturm: You're not behind the recent bad blood between mercenaries and skyfarers, are you?
Donna: Hahaha!
Sturm: This isn't a laughing matter!
Donna: Sturm, you know...
Donna: If you really believed I was the type of person to do that, I don't think you woulda come here in the first place.
Sturm: ...
Donna: If that's all, you should get a move on. I'm counting on you.
Sturm: ...
Understood.
???: Hey, Sturm! Fancy meetin' you here!
Sturm: So you're here too, Agielba.
Agielba: With how many slots needed to be filled, it'd be more surprising not to run into a few familiar faces.
The man who has joined Sturm among the rebels is a cheerful and familiar face.
He is also a mercenary of remarkable caliber, known far and wide as the Great Blade of Daybreak.
Agielba: Though I gotta say, I didn't really expect you of all people to show up.
Sturm: Do you know if there are other dispatches from the guild?
Agielba: Actually the mercs in this camp are mostly guildies.
Agielba: Makes sense though. Clients wanted as big of a force as they could manage in a short amount of time.
Agielba: Contacting the guild is the best way to do that.
Agielba: By the way, did you show up alone? Where's that noisy partner of yours?
Sturm: Working solo for now.
Agielba: You? Or him?
Sturm: Is there a difference?
Agielba: Mm... Nah, forget it. It's been a while since I've gotten to work with only you.
Agielba: Probably... ten years or so? Give or take.
Sturm: Maybe.
Agielba: I see that cold attitude of yours hasn't changed much. Doesn't it get in the way when you try to network with people?
Agielba: I'm not the brightest guy out there, but even I know that you gotta play nice first if you wanna snatch up work.
Agielba: But I guess you've got Drang around to do that part for you, eh?
Agielba: Oh. Ohhh. Well, good for you. You two strike a good balance—almost like the partnership was meant to be.
Sturm: Sh-shut up! It's not like I ask him to do it!
Agielba: Hahaha!
Agielba: Brings back memories though. We were all on a job like this once before, yeah?
Sturm: What are you talking about?
Agielba: Back when you first met your partner on the other side of the battlefield.
Agielba: You and me were fighting for the nobles, and Drang ran around helping the rebels.
Sturm: Your memory's pretty sharp.
Agielba: I don't usually forget a job I've done.
Agielba: Neither do you, right?
Agielba: Or do the jobs blur together for a bigwig like yourself?
Agielba: Not to say I'm not a huge deal too!
Agielba: Ahaha!
Sturm: Sigh... Were you always this chatty?
Agielba: Not much else to do while we're on standby—not that I'm complaining about being paid to stand around.
Agielba: Ahhh... I wanna see my little Ardora... She's gotta be so lonely while I'm away.
Sturm: Agielba. While we've still got free time, can I ask you something?
Agielba: Whoa... Now this is a first. You never start conversations.
Sturm: Why... do you work as a mercenary?
Agielba's eyes go wide as he takes in the unexpected query, but after a beat, he breaks out into a grin.
Agielba: If you want to know why I'm a merc, well... I guess 'cause I'm strong.
Agielba: But if you want to know what I'm a merc to do, then it's to spread my name throughout the skies and rake in the dough.
Agielba: I'm here to make sure my little girl won't ever have to worry about money.
Sturm: Makes sense.
Agielba: Besides that...
Agielba: As long as I'm doing work I can tell my daughter about with my head held high, I've got no complaints.
Agielba's grin shifts into a gentle smile, his heart full with thoughts of his beloved daughter.

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 6: On Rebels, and the Mercenary's Guild - Episode 3

The rebels struggle against the army. Sturm is scouting Erste Kingdom soldiers when Drang drops in for a surprise. He offers his help to Sturm for whatever she chooses to do. Without hesitation, Sturm reveals her intent to finish the job. Impressed, Drang is reminded of when the duo first met—Sturm was as resolute then as she is now.


Rebel 1: We're not putting a dent in them!
The fight goes on between Erste Kingdom soldiers and the rebels whom Sturm and Agielba have joined.
Rebel 2: We can't pierce through their defenses! They're gonna wear us down into submission at this rate!
Rebel 1: Damn it! We have to regroup! Sound the retreaaat!
The rebels are not faring well.
Agielba: You serious? These guys...
Agielba: We'll cover your retreat! Get outta here!
Rebel 1: Sorry, but thanks!
Agielba: The army's taking their sweet time if they wanted to come after us.
Sturm: They won't, at least for the moment.
Agielba: All right, I'll trust your judgment. But that said...
Agielba: The Erste Kingdom's got its stuff together way more than we thought. And it ain't like we came unprepared, either.
Agielba: We had a plan in place to mess up their chain of command, and we executed.
Agielba: But it didn't cause any confusion in the ranks. What kinda training have they been up to?
Sturm: The Erste army isn't stupid enough to fall to rebels like these.
Agielba: Whoa there... Whose side are you on right now?
Agielba: Still though, Donna wouldn't have sent all us mercs without knowing what we'd be getting into.
Agielba: Does she see a point to letting the rebels lose?
Sturm: I wouldn't say "lose" so much as letting the rebels put up a fight, maybe.
Agielba: Aha... I see what you're sayin'.
Agielba: You know her better than I do. If that's your read, it's probably right.
Sturm: ...
I'm going to scout the area.
Agielba: Sure. I'll head back to camp and put myself on guard duty.
Agielba: You be careful.
Sturm: You just focus on yourself.
Erste Soldier 1: ...
Erste Soldier 2: ...
Sturm: ...
Hidden in the shadows of nearby trees, Sturm observes Erste's army.
???: Doesn't seem like they're gonna make any moves soon.
Sturm: Sigh...
Sturm exhales wearily at the new arrival, completely unsurprised.
Sturm: Drang.
Drang: Those Erste troops are doing superbly, don'tcha think? Man, we did a fantastic job teaching them!
Sturm: Why are you here?
Drang: Hmm?
Drang: Well, I know I can't exactly help you with everything that's on your plate, but...
Drang: I figure in this situation I can probably come in handy.
Drang: So Sturm, tell me how you're gonna mop up this mess.
Sturm: ...
Drang: Sturm?
Sturm: Acting like you know it all and spitting out lines like that... You really know how to piss me off!
Drang: W-wait, stop, don't stab me! Now's not a good time! We're gonna get spotted!
Sturm: Bite your belt and suffer in silence then.
Drang: Okay, there's no way I can do that when you're jabbing me this hard!
Sturm: Shut up and take it!
Drang: You're asking for the impossible here!
Drang: Geez, Sturm, you meanie...
Dropping back to hushed whispers, Drang leans against a tree and folds his arms across his chest.
Drang: By the way, this whole recent conflict between mercs and skyfarers...
Sturm: Totally natural.
Drang: Figured you'd say as much.
Sturm: Just like this revolt.
Drang: Hmm... I guess it's not unexpected with how unstable Phantagrande's been after the empire's dissolution.
Drang: Resentment always builds up in these cases...
Sturm: No, it's just that there's more work now, for mercenaries and skyfarers both.
Sturm: And more activity means more friction.
Drang: Hahaha... That sounds accurate to me.
Drang: I'm glad Donna wasn't behind any of it, at least.
Sturm: She...
Sturm: She's frustrating sometimes, but she's not the underhanded type.
Drang: ...
Drang: So... you sure you want to do this?
Sturm: Yeah. It's not like I'm sacrificing anything.
Sturm: It's just a means to an end—to keep living as free as I want.
Drang: Huh... That's one way to look at it.
Drang: You know, Sturm? You really are something else. I don't think I could ever be like you.
Drang: Cool and collected, just as you were when we first met.
Blue-Haired Erune: Work's work for a merc, after all... I suppose there's no way around it. If the guys up top told you to fight, then that's what you'll do.
Sturm: Does this guy not have an off switch... Your know-it-all attitude is annoying.
Blue-Haired Erune: Y'know, from my point of view, doing merc work is pretty suffocating.
Sturm: And? What's wrong with doing work and getting paid for it?
Blue-Haired Erune: I never said anything was wrong per se, but doesn't it feel awful to be someone else's lapdog? Don't most people wanna live freely?
Sad, pitiful, and trapped in a cage—that's what I thought about everyone around me.
Their lives could be so much better if they would just ditch their "friends" and families, break the mold.
I know now that I was stupid for thinking that.
Sturm: You think we don't live freely, huh?
Blue-Haired Erune: Am I wrong? I'm mostly taking stabs in the dark since you won't tell me anything about yourself, but...
Blue-Haired Erune: I think it's pretty sad that youngsters like you can't do what they want for their own sakes.
I always pretended like I knew it all and gave free advice out of the goodness of my heart.
In actuality I believed I was better than everyone else, and it made me feel good to watch other people get their feathers ruffled.
Like "look at me, I'm so free, and you guys are not."
But then I met a certain mercenary.
Sturm: I am living the way that I want.
Sturm: I've never once thought that taking care of my family was a burden.
Plenty of people had tried arguing against me up until that point, but I instantly knew that she was different.
Sturm: Cutting ties with people won't set you free.
Sturm: Neither will running from responsibility.
Blue-Haired Erune: ...
She didn't have a single complaint about the life she lived.
And some arrogant words from an arrogant guy wouldn't shake her.
Sturm: I don't know what you've got against mercenary work, but this is just a means to an end.
Sturm: Simple as that.
Blue-Haired Erune: Hmm... Really?
It was her words that shook the arrogant guy to his core instead.
I'd never experienced the other end of the stick before, and it got my blood boiling a little, but I found that I didn't care.
Sturm: Anyway.
Sturm: This work's not all bad if I can take out trash like you.
Her eyes glinted dangerously and brightly in contrast to her expressionless face. I had a hard time staring back into them.
The whole time my head was empty except for one thought: "Damn, she's cool."

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Chapter 6: On Rebels, and the Mercenary's Guild - Episode 4

(Captain) and crew answer Orchis's request for help against the rebellion and arrive in the army's camp. They go to scout out a potential attack from the rear of the camp and run into Sturm and Drang, who reveal that they're working for the rebels. Reluctantly, the crew engages the mercenaries in combat.


The Erste Kingdom army is currently camped in the field, ready to deal with the rebels and their troops.
Lyria: There really are people in Erste going against their own country...
Vyrn: Just when we thought things had settled down too.
(Captain) and the crew have answered Orchis and Adam's request for assistance and find themselves in the army's camp.
Lyria: Orchis and everyone are working hard to fix everything.
Lyria: But there's still so much fighting. The longer it goes on, the more people get hurt.
  1. Why are they rebelling?
  2. We need to stop it.

Choose: Why are they rebelling?
Eugen: If you consider the current state of affairs in Erste, a bunch of unhappy folks ain't a surprise.
Eugen: Still, we've gotta put an end to this fighting.
Eugen: Once that's done, we can have a proper conversation and get their problems sorted.

Choose: We need to stop it.
Eugen: No matter what their reasons are, we've gotta prioritize putting an end to all the fighting.
Eugen: That's the best we can do now.
Continue 1
Vyrn: Guess so. Let's get to it then!
Panicked shouting from somewhere else in camp suddenly interrupts the conversation.
Lyria: What's going on?
Erste Soldier 1: Behind us? But when could they have—
Erste Soldier 2: We don't have confirmation of the number of enemy troops—
Vyrn: This doesn't sound good...
Eugen: Did the rebels make a move?
Vyrn: I sure hope not!
Vyrn: Heeey! Do you know what's goin' on?
Erste Soldier 2: Y-yes! We received reports of rebel troops approaching from the rear...
Eugen: What? But we've got a mountain range behind us. Did they split into small groups and sneak in?
Erste Soldier 2: There were heavy rains a while back that destroyed the only bridge in the area...
Erste Soldier 2: It should have been impossible to move a meaningful number of troops through.
Erste Soldier 1: That's why we chose to make camp here—to prevent exactly this situation.
Eugen: Whoo boy, this is a pinch. We still don't know how many troops they have, right?
Erste Soldier 2: Yes, their numbers are unconfirmed.
Erste Soldier 1: The strategy was to surround them and force a surrender with our superior military might, but now...
Eugen: If we don't know, then we can't afford to concentrate all our strength on the van.
Erste Soldier 1: Yes. We need to hurry and assess the situation in the mountains.
Eugen: Sounds like the perfect job for a crew like us.
Eugen: You agree, don'tcha, (Captain)?
(Captain) gives Eugen a nod and a thumbs-up.
Erste Soldier 1: Well... If you're truly willing to scout, then far be it from me to say no. Thank you.
Eugen: You guys just focus on getting ready and wait for word from us.
Erste Soldier 2: Roger that!
Vyrn: No time like the present! Let's go!
(Captain) and crew head to the mountain passage where rebel troops were spotted and discover two shockingly familiar faces.
Drang: Heyo, (Captain)!
Sturm: ...
Lyria: Drang? Sturm?
Vyrn: What the heck are you two doin' here?
Drang: Right back at ya. What're you guys doing?
Vyrn: We heard there might be some rebel troops sneakin' through here, so we came to check things out.
Drang: So you're working with the Erste Kingdom then?
Lyria: Yes, we are. But what about you two?
Sturm: We're in the middle of a job.
Vyrn: H-hey, what's the big idea?
Confusion grows amongst the crew as Sturm draws her weapons.
Drang: Whoopsie, looks like we're the troops you're looking for.
Vyrn: What? But why?
Drang: Isn't it obvious? This is work for us.
Lyria: But... you've worked with the Black Knight before, and Orchid's your friend...
Drang: Sure. Doesn't change the fact that we're on a different job now though.
Sturm: This is what it means to be a mercenary.
Vyrn: Still, that's...
Eugen: Makes sense to me. Mercs will be mercs.
Lyria: Eugen too...
Drang: Aaall right, that's enough chitchat!
Sturm: It's been a while since we've crossed blades... Don't hold back!

Sturm and Drang: A Mercenary's Life - Ending

Sturm and Drang suddenly admit defeat in the middle of battle; the rebellion was never meant to succeed, but as a means to bring the crown's attention to local problems. At the same time, the mercenary duo's defeat destroys their reputation, conveniently leaving Sturm in an unfavorable position to become the next leader of the guild. With everything settled, the Maelstroms of Discord return to their daily routines—with Sturm stabbing Drang several times for good measure.


Drang: Whoa, whoa!
Drang: Hey, Sturm... It's about time for us to switch gears, right?
Sturm: Yeah, sounds good.
Lyria: Huh?
(Captain) and crew pause as Sturm and Drang come to a stop.
Vyrn: Uh, what...
Drang: Ahhh, ouch! Owchies!
Vyrn: Huh?
Drang: We're done for! We lost! You guys are just too tough!
Lyria: Um...
Vyrn: The heck are you guys on about? We know you've got more than that in ya...
Sturm: You came and took care of the rebel troops who were trying to get a jump on you from the rear. Simple as that.
Sturm: Next you're going to rejoin the rest of the army and end the rebellion.
Eugen: I figured things would end up like this...
Drang: Queenie, Moustachio, and the rest of the Erste Kingdom head honchos—they've all got their stuff together.
Drang: They'll definitely listen to what the rebels have to say when the time comes.
Eugen: That's what they've been trying to do this whole time. The Queen still considers the rebels citizens of Erste.
Sturm: Right.
Vyrn: Hold up with all the complicated stuff! Can we talk about why the heck you guys came here in the first place?
Drang: Weeell, y'see...
Sturm: We came to lose. Lucky for us you were the ones we lost to.
Lyria: Huh? But—
Agielba: You two, I swear.
Sturm: Wow. You actually showed up.
Agielba: Yeah, I sure did. Showed up and saw everything.
Agielba: Watched Sturm, next in line to head the guild, and her partner Drang lose to a certain crew.
Drang: Oh my, he saw everything! How mortifying!
Agielba: I'll make sure to let the guild know how weak and cowardly you two have gotten.
Agielba: With your reputations in shreds, there should be more work for me to pick up instead.
Agielba: I'll line my purse with rupies and head home to spend plenty of time with my Ardora. End of story, happily ever after.
Sturm: Hmph...
Agielba: See ya. I hope we meet under better and less-weird circumstances next time.
Drang: You and me both, pal! Bye!
(Captain) and crew watch in complete confusion as Sturm and Drang casually bid farewell to Agielba.
Vyrn: You're really just gonna let him go after he said all that?
Drang: It's fine! Completely peachy.
Lyria: But Agielba had a good point. If that story spreads, your reputation will suffer, and you won't get as many requests...
Sturm: That's not something for you to worry about.
Vyrn: Too late for that.
Drang: Future job prospects aside...
Drang: I'm plenty happy with us snatching the "sad mercs who lost to skyfarers" title.
Sturm: Anyway, don't mind us. You guys just keep doing your jobs.
Drang: Ah! Sturm, don't leave me!
Drang: (Captain), we'll see you around!
Still completely lost, the crew can only watch as Sturm and Drang disappear into the distance.
Wolke: —and that concludes my report.
Donna: So the Erste Kingdom ended up having a proper meeting with all the rebels and their troops.
At the Mercenary's Guild HQ, Donna receives a report on the rebellion that occurred in Erste.
Wolke: Yes, it seems your scheme was a success.
Donna: Are you giving me attitude?
Wolke: Perish the thought. If you consider what the plan was aiming to accomplish, then I would say matters went quite well.
Wolke: We only needed a rebellion to exist, not for it to be successful.
Wolke: It's very convenient that the current head of the Erste Kingdom is forgiving and merciful, and will listen to grievances of her people.
Donna: Sigh...
Donna: Sturm must've known what we were doing. Of course she did.
Wolke: Indeed. She had quite the solution for many issues... Very well done, in my humble opinion.
Donna: You kidding me? You're gonna praise her for what she did?
Donna: Sure, by losing to the army's hired skyfarers she gave us the loss we wanted...
Donna: But the way she went about it was awful for the reputation.
Wolke: Given how far the rumors have spread, it will be considerably harder to put her forward as the next guild head.
Donna: There's no way it wasn't on purpose.
Wolke: I would agree.
Donna: Good grief...
Donna: That idiot is never gonna grow out of her rebellious phase.
Donna's sighs and words, harsh as they might initially seem, are tinged with affection.
Wolke: Are you giving up?
Donna: Who do you think you're talking to? I'm used to that brat and her spunk. For now, I just need to wait until the heat dies down from her stunt.
Wolke: Then I shall dutifully wait as well.
Donna: Hahaha! Glad I can count on ya.
Drang: Hm...
Drang: Yeah. This'll work.
Drang puts his pen down and closes the notebook in his hands.
Sturm: Hey.
Drang: Oh, heya, Sturm. Did you finish shopping?
Sturm: Yeah.
Drang: I just finished up myself. Our last job's nice and detailed in my notebook now.
Drang proudly holds up the bound sheets, but as he whips it forward, something slips out from between the pages and flutters to the floor.
Sturm: Hm? You dropped something.
Drang: Oopsie, we need that. Can't lose these request sheets.
Sturm: Don't be so careless with those!
Drang: Hahaha, sorry, sorry.
Sturm: Sigh... So what request did we get?
Drang: Remember the guy from about two years ago who wanted us to find his son?
Sturm: Yeah. Jeweler, right?
Drang: Yep. He sent us a new request. No details in the letter, but he wants us to meet up with him.
Sturm: Got it. He lives on...
Drang: Golonzo.
Sturm: Golonzo then. Let's move out.
Drang: Okeydokey!
The two stroll through town and head toward the airship dock.
Drang: By the way... You think Donna's mad at us? If I was her, I'd be mad at us at least.
Sturm: Who knows? It doesn't matter.
Drang: I just get so nervous when it comes to her.
Sturm: But you're so similar.
Drang: Eh? Me? And Donna? How!
Sturm: Your faces are both very punchable.
Drang: You've gotta be yanking my chain! Are you trying to hurt my fragile ego?
Sturm: It certainly doesn't need inflating.
Drang: D-don't look at me like that, Sturm...
Drang: Seriously though, even if Donna's not mad, what're we gonna do?
Drang: Our reputation's shot, and the jobs aren't flowing in at all.
Sturm: We've got nothing to worry about. We're still getting offers, just like this one right now.
Drang: Guess you're right. We can slow down and live the simple life for a while, eh?
Sturm: You are simple enough already.
Drang: Whaaat, c'mon. We're not the Maelstroms of Discord unless we're goofing off together!
Blue-Haired Erune: Sturm, Sturm, Stuuurm!
Sturm: Shut up! I heard you the first time!
Blue-Haired Erune: Can't help it! I'm just so excited that you told me your name!
Sturm: Sigh... It's not like I was hiding it. Kinda need people to know my name if I want to make it as a merc.
Blue-Haired Erune: But you didn't tell me for so long...
Blue-Haired Erune: Eh, whatever! You eventually gave it to me.
Drang: Oh yeah! You can call me "Drang" starting today.
Sturm: I don't care what your name is. Why are you telling me?
Drang: Well, if we're gonna be a dynamic duo, you gotta know my name first.
Sturm: Excuse me?
Drang: Get it? I'll be the Drang to your Sturm.
Sturm: Hey!
Drang: Sturm and Drang! Simple is best, don'tcha think?
Sturm: Cut that out! Who said I was gonna partner up with you anyway?
Drang: Hehe...
Drang chuckles quietly to himself as he gazes off into the sky.
Drang: Hey, Sturm?
Sturm: What is it?
Drang: Why did you end up agreeing to be my partner?
Sturm: You're asking me now, after all this time?
Drang: I mean I was curious since the start, but I figured now might be a good time to ask...
Sturm: ...
Sturm: You're noisy, but at least you're durable. I need a good pincushion.
Drang: Eh? That's the reason?
Drang: That's too awful to be true. Say it ain't so!
Sturm: You asked.
Drang: Yeah, but...
Drang: I guess even if your answer's not very forthright, I can feel the trust you put in me!
Sturm: Wait... What?
Drang: Yikes!
Sturm moves to stab Drang like usual, but her blade halts before it reaches him.
Drang: Wha?
Sturm: Sigh...
Sturm: Whatever. Believe what you want to.
Drang: Eh?
Drang: No way... What happened to you, Sturm? Are you drunk?
Sturm: ...!
I am not!
Drang: Yeooowch! Ow! Owowow!
Sturm: Shut your trap! Here it comes!
Drang: Gyah!
Drang: Okay, you've stabbed me enough today! Stabby quota's filled! Please!
Sturm: You asked for this!
Drang: I'm sorry! M-mercy, Stuuurm!
Sturm: Keep crying and see if I care!
Despite the events of the past few days, their routine remains unchanging.
Drang: Don't leave me, Stuuurm!
Drang: Sturm, I said wait uuup!
The End

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