Discord: Secator I
>By early morning, the conservation area is already awake. The sky is bright and clear, and your steps grow lighter as you make your way to the appointment.
The bustle along the path feels different from anywhere else. Humans and Constructs alike walk with animal companions—dogs of every shape and size, each wearing a name tag, full of energy as they play or train.
You arrive at the door of a quiet, out-of-the-way house. Just as you reach for the bell, the door opens.
Good morning, Commandant. You're always punctual.
The morning light paints the blue-haired Construct's silhouette in a thin sheen of gold. She holds herself with the poise of a young lady, yet a trace of excitement hides in her eyes.
Woof!
A furry head pops out from behind her and barks at you cheerfully in greeting.
A warm, inviting aroma of food drifts out from inside the house.
Come in. Breakfast is ready.
Today's menu is fried sausages, tomato-baked beans, and buttered potato wedges. Best eaten while hot.
Yes, that's exactly what I intended.
It's no trouble. I don't have many things I can say I'm good at, but cooking is one of them.
And thank you for teaming up with me for the Paw Guardian event and helping train Ksori. Let me return the favor with a proper meal.
I'll remember your tastes, Commandant.
As if she understands the praise, Ksori's tail wags harder, though she stays perfectly seated.
The blue-haired girl bends down to rub the dog's head, her smile soft and subtle.
Something to talk about over tea later? I'd enjoy that.
"Canine Haven"
Surface Conservation Area
One week ago
One week earlier, at Canine Haven in the surface conservation area.
Your earlier suggestions were a huge help in developing our working dog training program. As expected from Babylonia's Chief Commandant—your ground mission experience really shows.
Thank you for taking the time to visit Canine Haven. Did you sleep well last night? This way, please. The working dogs' kennels are just ahead.
As the surface conservation area develops, people have started turning their attention to humanity's longtime companions—the dogs who arrived alongside the refugees.
Experience has shown that dogs have unique abilities in search and rescue, finding supplies, and guiding people with disabilities—skills that can be a real asset to ground operations. To tap into that potential, the conservation area has set up a dedicated program for training working dogs.
With some free time on your hands, you accepted Canine Haven's invitation to serve as a temporary advisor.
And we have some good news—we finally secured enough sponsorship to host a large-scale training competition. We're calling it Paw Guardian.
It's meant to encourage more people to sign up. The rules are simple: two trainers work with one dog to complete the training program in our manual, then take part in a final competition. The dogs that perform best can join our operational teams right away!
Would you like to participate too, Commandant?
Before you can answer, a commotion breaks out nearby. A small crowd gathers, watching something.
It wasn't like this when its owner was still alive. Shame, the poor old man had only just brought it here, and he...
Yeah. Now it's scared of everyone. Maybe we should... let it be.
But Ksori's earlier test scores were outstanding. If you'll allow it, I'd like to try working with her.
Whimper...
Looking closer, you spot a familiar figure.
Discord from the Scarab squad speaks in earnest. In the fenced area ahead, a brown-and-white dog is tethered, ears flat, curled up tightly—clearly terrified.
A man in a suit sighs at her words, his expression tinged with reluctance.
Young lady, what good are test scores if the dog is too afraid to even face people? We're just worried about your safety.
Commandant? I didn't expect to see you here.
The blue-haired Construct looks surprised to see you and gives a polite nod. The suited man, noticing this, steps forward with sudden enthusiasm.
Well, if it isn't the famous Gray Raven Commandant! An honor, truly!
Commandant, this is Mr. Kaiji, our new sponsor.
You see, it's just a scared dog. No need to trouble the advisor with this. Best to <b>dispose</b> of it so it doesn't disrupt the training or competition. As for this Construct lady...
He finishes speaking and glances at Discord, looking slightly unsure.
......
You're close enough to see the blue-haired girl's expression go blank for an instant, though she doesn't say a word.
I need to check something first, Commandant.
This dog, Ksori, has been through repeated abuse and abandonment. The death of her last owner left her deeply traumatized.
I used to visit her often, and she was fond of me. If she still lets me come close, then there's a chance we can... turn this around.
An elite Construct can handle herself. Perhaps it's your calm confidence, but Kaiji narrows his eyes, then steps back with you to join the crowd, giving Discord space to work.
The blue-haired girl crouches, locking eyes with the shivering dog.
Ksori? It's me.
The lone dog's front paws twitch nervously. She knows there's no escape, but still whimpers, looking around as if trying to dodge an unseen demon.
Woof, woof!
It's all my fault... They don't want me... They don't want me anymore!
......
Ksori, I'm back. I came for you.
Something has changed imperceptibly. Ksori stops scraping at the ground, and the sound of pain in her throat fades.
One step. Then another. She closes the distance, inch by inch. The crowd holds its breath as her hand reaches the dog's matted fur.
Ksori doesn't pull away. Instead, she tilts his head up and hesitantly licks Discord's arm.
Ksori actually accepts you! I knew it'd be a shame to waste its talent. With a bit of work, it could even place in the top three—ow! What was that for?
Haha... yeah, didn't expect that.
......
The girl straightens up, folding her hands neatly in front of her. She gives you a small but unmistakably relieved smile, then glances around the crowd, her gaze lingering on Kaiji for a moment.
As you can see, I'm perfectly capable of serving as Ksori's trainer.
Not bad. But the rules say you need two trainers. Registration's closing soon. Where are you going to find another person who'll get the same special treatment?
Anyone else want to try?
Everyone here's already had a go. No luck.
Not everyone. The Gray Raven Commandant hasn't tried yet!
In an instant, all eyes are on you.
The Commandant's schedule is full. It wouldn't be fair to ask at the last minute.
Her hands tighten slightly around her skirt, and her voice—usually calm and steady—carries a barely noticeable hint of urgency.
Still, Commandant... would you be willing to sign up with me? You wouldn't have to do the training. Just having your name down is enough.
So... you believe in Ksori too, Commandant?
So... you believe in Ksori too, Commandant?
A faint light of hope begins to glow in her eyes.
Thank you, [player name].
Ksori won't let you down.
A faint light of hope begins to glow in her eyes.
Thank you, [player name].
I'll protect you and not let you know. You have my word.
While soothing Ksori, Discord quietly wraps the leash twice around her wrist.
Under her focused gaze, you follow her example, moving toward the dog with slow, steady steps.
To everyone's surprise, Ksori, still wary of the crowd, peeks out from behind Discord's legs. She meets your eyes for a moment, nose twitching, then cautiously shuffles a small step toward you.
Well, would you look at that! The Commandant's got a way with dogs too!
I'd say it's the Commandant's presence. Dogs can feel it.
You lift your head to meet the girl's gaze. Her joy is quiet, her eyes shining like small blue flowers blooming across a barren field.
Alright, alright, looks like that's settled nicely.
Didn't expect Ksori to land our advisor as a teammate. That's quite the stroke of luck. I've got a clever dog of my own, so... see you in the competition!
Kaiji hurries away. His farewell is polite enough, but something about him still leaves you uneasy.
The priority now is registration. You make a mental note of your suspicion and head off with Discord, following the unusually cheerful staff member.
That's all the paperwork done. We'll deliver the gear and supplies straight to the dorm assigned to Miss Construct here.
The location's a bit out of the way since our training dogs aren't used to crowds yet... hope that's okay.
That's fine. Thank you for arranging it.
Good luck! I'm sure you'll do great and give Paw Guardian another strong contender!
The blue-haired Construct meets your gaze with quiet determination, her resolve as steady as her movements.
Come on, Commandant. Let's take Ksori home.
