The Trio (before battle)

Now Charon, tell me, is this east or west?

Charon only knows two directions: Mephi's front and back.

How did you come so far with a driver who has zero sense of direction?

Charon... Like I said, the sun rises from...

At the driver's seat, three heads gathered together over a map.

Well, one of them might have been at a slightly different elevation from the others.

Pft... Chiquita~ Aren't you gonna join them too?

I beg your pardon?! I am no child! And most certainly not little!

Watching Don Quixote shake her fist sky-high at Rodya, I noticed a bitter gaze falling upon them out of the corner of my view.

<... I'm starting to think that Yuri might've put up with a rough childhood.>

Gregor cast a quick glance toward me, shook his head, and went back to watching the driver's side with his chin propped on his hand.

... Wouldn't be on the youngest side, either. Some Nests used to conscript anyone old enough to hold a knife.

Nests... They explained that a Nest is basically the center of a District, if my memory is correct.

Sounds like Nests used to get into wars with one another in the past.

<Did that happen often?>

Not frequently, but it sure as hell did happen.

... Interested in learning about wars, Manager Bud?

<Oh, I'm not really curious about the details, just gathering info I should know as the manager...>

Just as I went to speak again, a sideways glimpse of the look on Gregor's face made me pause.

He had this faraway look in his eyes, as though he was staring past the driver's seat.

Don't get me wrong, Manager Bud. I'm not calling you out or anything. Heck, it's actually a pretty stand-up attitude for a boss, I'd say.

He slowly continued, taking a pack of cigarettes from his pocket.

Still, ignorance is bliss, if you ask me - I think you should savor it while you still can.

War's the kind of knowledge that sticks to you and never lets go.

Without another word, he lit his cigarette.

No, you should've turned right at that intersection!

I-it's okay, Charon. We can turn around at the next junction.

Ahh... The woes of a driver.

Well... Looks like we have more pressing matters at hand. Ain't that right, Manager Bud?

Gregor chuckled, each snort sending a puff out from his smoke-filled mouth.

I was still curious to learn what he'd been through, but he's right that I should focus on other things for now.

Because, as if on cue, an urgent matter presented itself right before our eyes - or rather, right at the doorstep of our bus.

Enough squabbling now. More enemies inbound.

You shoved my pals into that bus, you sick bastards! Are you nuts?

You'll pay for this! We were just gonna leave with the bus, but now I've gotta see you all bleed!

Verg, the fuel is acting up. Charon gets woozy when many mouths start being noisy.

Nothing to worry about, Charon. They'll shut their mouths soon enough.

Off the bus.