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“And so,” Jurard reported, “it has been decided that I will indeed be taking the quest solo.”
“So you won the competition?” Octavio asked.
“Nah,” said Ruze. “Go on, Jurard. Tell ’em.”
Jurard hesitated. Even though he’d lost every single competition, it was still hard to admit someone else was better than him. He wanted to keep his pride. But perhaps admitting to one’s faults was what a leader should do! And thus, Jurard responded.
“I lost. Every single competition. That’s right, guys—Ruze is the best. He’s the strongest, the fastest, the smartest, and even the sexiest.”
“The...huh?” Octavio tilted his head.
“Oh, I get it,” Goldbullet said with a wry smile. “Don’t worry about it, Octavio.”
“But what does the sexiest have to do with—”
“Anyway,” Jurard interrupted, “I’m going to do the mission because...the best Armis member should remain at Headquarters, protecting our base... And the best is Ruze.”
Ruze nodded silently, then placed a hand on Jurard’s head, ruffling his hair.
“Don’t feel bad, Leader!” Octavio said. “We never thought you were the best anyway! This changes nothing. Right, Goldbullet?”
“Huh!?” cried Jurard.
“That’s right, Octavio. Everyone knows that leading has nothing to do with being the strongest, or the fastest, or even the sexiest. I guess being smart would probably help, but... Well, if you were the best, why would you need to recruit us?”
“I’ve got it all covered,” said Ruze. “You guys just do your thing.”
“If you really think you’re better than us in every aspect, then we should hold a competition our—” Octavio started to protest, but Goldbullet quickly put a hand over his mouth.
“No, no, we’re good. It’s fine. We’ll do our thing.”
Octavio pouted.
“Well then...” Jurard started. “I guess I’ll go off on my quest...all by myself...”
Ruze’s eyes shifted to Octavio and Goldbullet. “The two of you together’re pretty much second best, right?”
Goldbullet shrugged.
“Then how about you two stay here, and I’ll go along with Leader. To protect him and such.”
“But didn’t Leader say that the best member should...” Octavio started.
“Eh, two of you’ll be good enough.”
Octavio and Goldbullet shared a look, and then nodded. “Okay,” said Goldbullet. “Go on and protect our ‘Handsome Prince.’ He needs you.”
“I don’t need to be protected!” Jurard shouted. “But...the company would be nice, I guess .”
And so, Ruze accompanied Jurard on what was supposed to be a solo quest for the best member. They walked off into the sunset of the Badlands. For some reason, Jurard was unable to maintain eye contact with Ruze...