Story Reader / Border Pact / Cape Nohama Air Base / Story
After the crew passes through a block of buildings, a colorful large-wheeled snowmobile comes into sight. On top of it sits an unfamiliar man, dressed in thick but tattered winter clothes. Behind him is the source of the deafening music: a radio.
Biological signal detected... It's a human man.
...
As you converse, the man seems to have finally noticed you and begins waving.
Hello, friends!
Ah, no no, hahahaha! I'm not lost!
See this beauty? It's an antique snowmobile, Snow Leopard M958. Good for all terrains, totally swag, most popular in New Durkan in the Post-Pandemic Age. They don't manufacture this no more. The one and only in the world!
She's been with me much longer than some Corrupted been walkin'!
Never seen ya before. First time here?
There's but one place worth seein' here. Ya know, "that" place. That's where ya goin', eh?
Quit bluffin'. Look at ya, all dressed like that. I know what ya do, ya ain't even need to tell me.
Yer "hunters", huh?
Watanabe sends you a meaningful glance and moves closer to whisper into your ear.
That's what some people call them...
This used to be the biggest military research base in Cape Nohama. After the Post-Pandemic Age, all land-based airforce soldiers have fled the base.
As for what's hidden in the base, only the soldiers and researchers who love their antifreeze and thrust-weight ratios know.
Small wonder it's a popular place for treasure hunters.
So? Want me ta give ya a ride? Half price for the way back too. Looks like ya come prepared. Surely ya know the importance of a guide, huh?
Thanks for the offer, but we already—
Boss!
A tall, slim youth comes stumbling over, interrupting the conversation, heavy snow boots squeaking as he goes.
Don't talk to this rascal!
Panting, the youth stops in front of the group. He pushes his goggles up, revealing a scowling face. He lifts his rifle and points it at the strange man.
The man's face changes. Before he can retreat, Lucia stops him in his path.
This old menace is a fraud!
Yamamoto!
The leader of the Forsaken comes jogging after the youth. Despite shouting at the boy in a reprimanding tone, he also raises his gun and points it at the unfamiliar man.
The atmosphere turns hostile in an instant.
You old cheat!
Shooting him to death would be considered a mercy!
(Hisses) Are all Babylonians nagging fools like you?
Are all Forsaken all brawn and no brain like you?
Watch your words, Yamamoto!
I understand your animosity towards Babylonia, but you'd do well to show my "guest" some respect.
...Tch.
Apologies, Gray Raven Commandant, for my subordinate's impudence.
However, do know that this guy in front of you is not trustworthy. Countless scavengers have frozen to death in the snowy plains because of him.
He has no name. Just an old riffraff that came out of nowhere.
He'd tell the scavengers seeking a home or passing treasure-hunters that he's the "Gravekeeper" of Cape Nohama.
We've saved countless hapless fools who lost all their belongings to him in this area.
Huh? Wassup with ya southerners now?
Give a man an inch...!
Noticing the situation getting awkward, the unfamiliar man tries to rope you into it.
Hey you, standin' over there! Ya really gon' just stand and watch these guys bully poor lil' me?
What are you talking about? Just watch, I'm gonna drag you back and show your victims—
Yamamoto!
Enough.
We've got a mission to complete.
Agreed. If you guys have your local disputes to settle, we'll take our leave.
Stop! Listen to our leader!
Clark's voice rings out. Yamamoto immediately shrinks back, mouth working as if debating whether to speak, and finally puts his gun down.
Watanabe falls silent for a moment.
You are certain you can give us a ride through Ghost Coast?
Now why would I lie? 'Course I can, unless ya get off by yer lonesome.
Deal, then.
Huh?
Give us a ride through Ghost Coast. I'll pay double.
Uh... r-really?
Yes. And if it works out well, the Forsaken may consider a long-term arrangement with you.
W-what?
On one condition: no more scamming in our territory or bringing trouble to the Forsaken. I trust that the payment we can offer should be much better than what you usually get by robbing hard-up travelers.
～Living in the hustle, hanging with my fellows...～
～The wasteland doesn't go, gravekeepers don't say no...～
～Awesome! Hmm... Get some! Hmm...～
Watanabe sits on the backseat of the big-wheeled snowmobile, wincing in patient exasperation.
...Why are we riding with him?
That part is true... but you sure feel like the road is stretching on forever.
Squeak—!
The snowmobile suddenly brakes, sending everyone flying forward.
Aah!
What's going on?
Has he got something planned?
The Gravekeeper turns off the music and begins shouting at us from his seat.
We're passin' through Ghost Coast soon. Gotta make sure the wheels ain't stuck. Ya don't wanna walk through the town for sho'.
...
Watanabe seems to be a bit relieved, though you're not sure if you're imagining things.
Commandant.
Watanabe barks out orders.
Forsaken, form up!
Roger!
The Forsaken members leap down the vehicle in an orderly fashion and get in formation in a flash.
The Gravekeeper peeks out from the window, bright blue eyes wide behind his overgrown facial hair.
Uh... so... I'll be waiting for ya by the side?
Attack!
Roger!
