lunaecalamitas | the beach episode (dated before the east mission)

There's a small slice of sandy beach between mountains and wasteland, where the South meets Central, only an inlet of ocean between them, and that is where Bruno has decided to set up camp.

Literally.

He only had a simple tent and supplies for two initially. Tatara had asked if he could join him on his little trip out and how could he say no? Unfortunately for him, Tatara may have decided to invite everyone else, too, so, welcome, everyone, to the beach episode and a chance to relax after a potentially rough week in the City of Rain.

The sand is warm and fine, the water isn't too chilly, and scrubby little palm trees and plant life dot the dunes. Sea birds are the most active wildlife out here, not counting whatever fish can be found dwelling in the depths of the inlet between South and Central or further out into the ocean. It's comfortable enough... unless you hate sand, that is! You don't hate sand, right?

Since Tatara's arrival, more than Bruno's humble setup can be found.

- There's food fit for a picnic and enough bottles of wine for the evening.

- In the evening, a (non-deadly) bonfire will be built and there'll be pillows to sit on for those who don't want to sit directly on the sand.

- A few colorful rough wool blankets laid out under umbrellas meant to provide shade.

- There's still only one sad-looking tent... However! Bruno's gone ahead and enchanted it so that, when one pushes the cloth flap aside and enters, they'll find a much more comfortable setup inside.

And, of course, anything the other wizards have decided to bring! Bruno wasn't expecting a party but now that it's here, he sure can't tell them not to have fun however they want.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It sounds like a court drama story...

[Oof.]

It is, only with unsettling Nen beasts running amok. I need to get back as soon as possible, but I'm not exactly looking forward to it.

[ If time has passed at the same clip as it has here, how many will be dead when he gets back? He doesn't want to think about it. ]

That's what you were doing when you got dragged here?

[Well, uh.

Shit.]

Oh. I never told you, did I?

[ Well, it's not too late for it now, is it? ]

I was on a boat headed to the Dark Continent, of which I'm providing security detail to the royal family on the topmost level. Naturally, the king decided that he would like to have a succession battle on that boat to determine which of his children will take the throne after him.

Naturally...

[Jfc.]

The particular prince I'm guarding is still just a baby.

[ He sighs. ]

I hate to admit it, but I have a personal stake in this. I want her to live.

Oh? Is there a reason why?

A child doesn't deserve to get caught up in some ridiculous death battle.

You're not wrong there. That king is a real piece of work, getting all his kids involved in this.

I think he cares more about money and women than anything else, honestly.

Geeze... at least our royals do their jobs.

[He doesn't even necessarily like them, but like. Bare minimum is being met.]

Mm, there are plenty of authoritarian type monarchies in my world. I have a rather luxurious life compared to most, so I don't live under one, but... there are plenty less fortunate in the world.

How many different countries have you visited, anyway?

Hm... Fifty or so? As a licensed Hunter, I can travel freely without having to apply for a visa.

Man... Obviously there's a lot of crappy places out there, but I wouldn't mind getting to travel like that.

It's a significant boon. There's a reason so many try to become a Hunter each year. Easy travel, being held to different legal standards, and earning a significant amount of money makes it appealing.

What's one of the better places you've been to, then?

[Who knows if he'll ever get the chance outside of this world - at least he can get his fill of stories, maybe?]

[ Hmmm. He actually has to give that one a bit of thought. ]

Yorknew City. I spent a good amount of time there, so it has a bit of a special place in my memories. It's an average city with its own dark underside, but I think the lack of uniqueness can be a boon.

...Wow, really? Because it doesn't attract as much attention, or...?

That's part of it. I think, for me, I like the familiarity of a city that meets expectations.

What, not even interested in being pleasantly surprised by a nice place?

I've given up on being pleasantly surprised by that sort of thing. I'm too focused on other matters to really enjoy it anyway.

[ Though that is slowly shifting... and is the reason why he's at the beach at all. ]