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| ===A Study on Pomegranate Cultivation=== | | ===A Study on Pomegranate Cultivation=== |
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| January 10: Constant temperature, temperate climate simulation | | January 10: Constant temperature, temperate climate simulation |
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| It's not quite how I'd originally planned to go down in history, but it's not a bad idea, is it? | | It's not quite how I'd originally planned to go down in history, but it's not a bad idea, is it? |
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| ===A Hat=== | | ===A Hat=== |
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| Shams was acting weird today. | | Shams was acting weird today. |
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| Actually, it's one of the best decisions we've ever made. | | Actually, it's one of the best decisions we've ever made. |
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| ===A Day in the Life of Kabr=== | | ===A Day in the Life of Kabr=== |
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| 6:50 Woke up | | 6:50 Woke up |
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| 22:30 Went to bed | | 22:30 Went to bed |
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| ===A Reflection on a Book=== | | ===A Reflection on a Book=== |
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| ''[Several paragraphs are transcribed in the journal, written with neat handwriting. Next to them are thoughts written in different-colored ink.]'' | | ''[Several paragraphs are transcribed in the journal, written with neat handwriting. Next to them are thoughts written in different-colored ink.]'' |
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| —Hmm… I still don't get it even after reading it three times, nor do I like the conclusion. Maybe I should pick a story with a happy ending next time. | | —Hmm… I still don't get it even after reading it three times, nor do I like the conclusion. Maybe I should pick a story with a happy ending next time. |
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| ===A Trip to Jiangshi Metro=== | | ===A Trip to Jiangshi Metro=== |
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| It had been 3 days since I got back from Jiangshi Metro and I still failed to sleep tight. | | It had been 3 days since I got back from Jiangshi Metro and I still failed to sleep tight. |
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| I may not be able to protect everyone, but at the very least, I should follow those who can. | | I may not be able to protect everyone, but at the very least, I should follow those who can. |
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| ===A Showdown with Tan-2=== | | ===A Showdown with Tan-2=== |
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| Most times, I struggle to understand what those younger Lightbearers like Ning Fei and Tan-2 are thinking—but just as I was writing this, I suddenly came to the realization that some may find Haven's youthful energy quite shocking! Perhaps that is what Lord Radegast had in mind? | | Most times, I struggle to understand what those younger Lightbearers like Ning Fei and Tan-2 are thinking—but just as I was writing this, I suddenly came to the realization that some may find Haven's youthful energy quite shocking! Perhaps that is what Lord Radegast had in mind? |
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| Well, they are spirited and great fighters, I'll give them that. I don't think they would handle the constraints of a legion well, though—Shams often comments on how Ning Fei doesn't even listen to his own Ghost. | | Well, they are spirited and great fighters, I'll give them that. I don't thnk they would handle the contraints of a legion well, though—Shams often comments on how Ning Fei doesn't even listen to his own Ghost. |
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| As far Tan-2… I'll admit he's easier to get along with, even if he is a bit…unpredictable. Sometimes he's impulsive, but other times he's unexpectedly calm and mature. It always takes me a while to figure out his temperament. | | As far Tan-2… I'll admit he's easier to get along with, even if he is a bit…unpredictable. Sometimes he's impulsive, but other times he's unexpectedly calm and mature. It always takes me a while to figure out his temperament. |
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| …I really, really can't read Exos. | | …I really, really can't read Exos. |
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| ===A Criterion for Heroes=== | | ===A Criterion for Heroes=== |
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| Ever since that incident, I often sit opposite Skorri in the tavern, and we enjoy a drink together. | | Ever since that incident, I often sit opposite Skorri in the tavern, and we enjoy a drink together. |
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| Or maybe the Iron Bard's examples weren't quite right. Those are no heroes. No, they're my companions—only imperfect people fight side by side. | | Or maybe the Iron Bard's examples weren't quite right. Those are no heroes. No, they're my companions—only imperfect people fight side by side. |
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| ===An Ahamkara=== | | ===An Ahamkara=== |
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| …Turns out the "magic dragon" hovering around Lord Radegast is an Ahamkara. | | …Turns out the "magic dragon" hovering around Lord Radegast is an Ahamkara. |
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| I don't like Ahamkara. | | I don't like Ahamkara. |
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| ===A New Name=== | | ===A New Name=== |
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| Skorri suggested I write a letter promoting myself and post it on the bulletin board, rather than stopping all the tavern patrons to ask if they need help. | | Skorri suggested I write a letter promoting myself and post it on the bulletin board, rather than stopping all the tavern patrons to ask if they need help. |
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| I'm glad that we're on the same page. | | I'm glad that we're on the same page. |
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| ===A Stranger in the Red Sea Rift=== | | ===A Stranger in the Red Sea Rift=== |
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| I hadn't seen Wolf and Zev for a while. Today, i found that they'd been sent to the Red Sea Rift. | | I hadn't seen Wolf and Zev for a while. Today, i found that they'd been sent to the Red Sea Rift. |
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| {{Verbatim}} | | {{Verbatim}} |
| ===New Gear=== | | ===New Gear=== |
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| Two letters written in completely different handwriting They have been carefully tucked into the diary.
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| Kabr,
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| Check out what I made for you. You're sure to like it, because it has the most beautiful embroidery pattern in the world on it: a new, never-before-seen species of nautilus from Oceania. Its shell features the most standard equiangular spiral I've ever seen, with smooth, delicate growth patterns—the pinnacle of romantic aesthetics. Of course, there are also siphon pipes, which have always been the perfect symbol of cephalopods. When you wear it, be sure to keep the embroidered side facing you to avoid damage from battle, which naturally lets you appreciate its beauty a few more times.
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| Oh, right. In case it wasn't obvious, it's a cloak.
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| Pahanin
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| To my dear friend, Kabr:
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| I have something for you. It's not a gift or something so trite. You can consider it an objective entity, born yet only given meaning through your use.
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| After observing your combat style and skull structure, I find your turban to be an inadequate choice of headgear. It's too weak, and you never know when it might be ripped away by an enemy. You're leaving yourself open to bullets. So I made you a helmet. It's forged using an extremely dense metal with joint designs, ensuring a snug fit and high durability.
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| Whether we wish it or not, the battle rages on. It is part of our past, present, and future, rearing its head when you may have let your guard down. We walk a road with no place to hide and no end in sight. At least with ample armor, we can march further still.
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| Additionally, if your helmet becomes damaged, come find me, and I'll forge you a new one.
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| When I have time, that is.
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| Your loyal friend, Praedyth
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| ===An Invitation=== | | ===An Invitation=== |
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| '''Sender: Skorri'''
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| '''Recipient: Kabr'''
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| '''Subject: An Invitation to Lightbearer Kabr'''
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| I'm glad I was able to see you again in Haven yesterday, dear. It seems it's been a long time since you last visited. Why, I didn't even recognize you at first! You look and carry yourself so differently these days.
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| I'm sure you've been through much since our talk in the tavern back then. It's as if it happened just yesterday, but if it were you as you are now, I'm sure you'd make your choice without hesitation.
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| I'm sending this letter to invite you to the Iron Bar's anniversary celebration, this time as a VIP.
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| We need a warrior with a high ranking on our leaderboard to give an outstanding performance. And I know what you're going to say—if it's just a matter of points, then there are plenty of candidates to choose from!
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| But none of them put on an unforgettable show like you did at the opening ceremony, right?
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| This is an unprecedented chance to wipe the slate clean and make a new name for yourself.
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| I look forward to your reply.
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| '''Sender: Kabr'''
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| '''Recipient: Skorri'''
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| '''Subject: Re: An Invitation to Lightbearer Kabr'''
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| Thank you for your invitation, Lady Skorri.
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| As you said, I've thought much since our conversation at the tavern and the Iron Bar's opening ceremony. Since then, I've made a point to experience more of everything. Those adventures, those victories and defeats, all of them shaped me into who I am today.
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| It's thanks to all that I've been through that I can now truly understand what you told me back then, as well as understand how foolish and rash I'd been. I let myself be blinded by a pursuit of ethereal fame.
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| Fortunately, it was not an error I could not come back from. At the very least, it gave me the courage to embark on a new journey, one in which I found my companions. Before we find the "golden fleece" we seek, I cannot halt my steps—not for anything.
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| Now that I have crossed unseen depths and shallows, I will soon set a course for my own objective. Thus, I sincerely apologize, but I must turn down your invitation.
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| I no longer need fame and glory, for I've already found my own "great unknown."
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| I wish you all the best in this year's anniversary celebration.
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| ===A Calling=== | | ===A Calling=== |
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| I sometimes still dream of that yellow earth, of the cold luster of armor reflecting light in the sand, of the smell of rust in the air.
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| During one of our chats, Ikora told me the Vex shouldn't have appeared during our operation in Gibralter—unless, of course, they'd already predicted our mission. It was a premeditated ambush.
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| Prediction. What a terrifying word…
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| The Vex are wholly unlike the foes I've encountered before. They record, lie in wait, and mimic. They devour any fragment of data they come into contact with, then gnaw on it until it's fully absorbed, granting them a complete understanding of the universe's creatures. They spread like a virus and lurk in the future, always one step ahead of us.
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| They do not latch onto weaknesses as we understand them, but logic, for thought itself is an Achilles heel.
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| This is the true reason the Vex are a sword hanging above humanity's neck.
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| Ikora says we have no knowledge of where the Vex came from; what we do know is they have existed since at least a billion years ago, and during their long history, they've latched onto and hollowed out planet after planet, building hidden bases deep in their crusts. In the copy of "History of the Vex" she lent me, I even saw mention of special realms they have on Venus and Mercury, independent of time and space.
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| Time cannot kill them. It can merely let the dreams of those who've failed linger a while longer.
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| I lost too much in that operation. My companions' lives shatter and dissipate like the visions in my blurred dreams. First was Bhate, with that massive beard of his. Then was Lehnin, who ran out of bullets… Louis, then Saina… In the end, even Roberto was powerless against them.
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| I haven't felt fear in a long time. Perhaps that wasn't fear, but fury, or hatred…or maybe something else, something capable of making me tremble, something that causes pain to seep from my gums as I grit my teeth.
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| Something referred to as suffering.
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| Just as it birthed me, so too did it birth my calling.
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| ===A Fireteam=== | | ===A Fireteam=== |
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| Pahanin told me a joke today. He said when he first met Praedyth, he was so nervous he didn't even shake his hand, afraid that Praedyth's Light would vaporize him.
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| I laughed and told him how funny it was.
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| But two minutes later, I was really laughing because Praedyth said it was fine—when he first met Pahanin, he thought he was a big-mouthed idiot.
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| "And then?" Pahanin asked. Praedyth replied that there was no "and then."
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| Once I finished laughing, I asked them, "Next time, could you not tell such a hilarious joke at the Fallen's front door? Also, which of you is covering me?"
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| Most of the time, our division of duties is very clear. I'm responsible for leading the assault, Praedyth is responsible for clean-up, and Pahanin's responsible for those special sorts of situations. But today, Pahanin thought Praedyth had it too easy, so they started arguing.
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| I told them, "Gentlemen, it doesn't matter who does it as long as we deal with the Fallen before they get right in our faces."
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| Pahanin rushed out, followed closely by Praedyth. They even stripped me of my role as lead, only to hide behind my barrier with their rear ends on fire. In the end, Jiangshi guerrillas saved us. A kind lady among them consoled us that not every fireteam gets off to a good start—we just needed lots and lots of practice.
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| "Like we've been doing for the last three years?" Praedyth asked, after which he declared he'd no longer be considering suggestions from idiots.
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| Pahanin then declared he'd write a book of "Pahanin quotes," recording all of his conversations with us as well as all the insults Praedyth threw his way. The book of quotes would then be passed down forever, ensuring he'd always be remembered.
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| That joke was even funnier than the original. After all, Lightbearers don't age. So long as Praedyth and I are alive, Pahanin will never be forgotten.
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| ===A Revisited Reflection on a Book=== | | ===A Revisited Reflection on a Book=== |
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| Several passages have been painstakingly copied into the diary. The original reflections have been crossed out, and new text has been written.
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| '''"…But he obstinately believed that the distant sunrise was summoning him. Even though no one, not even himself, had ever seen the reality behind the glow, it burned in his heart like a flame, scorching him day and night. …So he would fearlessly forge ahead, towards the mountains, towards the rivers, towards the unreachable beyond…"'''
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| <s>—That's just the sun, isn't it? You can see it just by looking up: In my opinion, smart people don't chase the sun. Only the mysteries of the unknown are worth the journey. Imagine as unprecedented, unique discovery unveiling mysteries during your adventure, a discovery that you would go down in history for—what could possibly be more thrilling than this?</s>
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| —It's as Ikora said: the fact that the Vex are already taking premeditated actions against us indicates that the threat they pose to Earth is nearer than ever. What summons us to take action now isn't a concrete thing. Our calling is a matter of humanity's resistance, not just here on Earth, but also on Venus, on Mars, on Io. We shall guard these planets until all "unchangeable" futures become paradoxes.
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| '''"…He threw his spear, piercing the teeth and tongues of his enemies. His foes' heads bled, staining the desert sands red. He was so foolish and single-minded, yet also so brave and fearless, that his hulking form served as a banner on the battlefield. Everyone—even those who had hesitated to become his companions—gazed at him and cried out…They gathered around him, reveling in the fervor of their victory…"'''
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| '''<s>—Yes! A truly wonderful adventure is one experienced with friends. Who wouldn't want to form a legion of their own? We'd defeat our enemies valiantly, then drink merrily. If I had my own legion, what would I name it…? Think hard, Kabr.</s>'''
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| '''—Ultimately, I did not name it "Kabr's Legion." Praedyth rejected it outright, though Pahanin agreed to call it "Kabr, Pahanin, and Praedyth's Legion." However, I don't think such a long name would fit on a notice board or leaderboard. Ultimately, we opted to not give ourselves some special name. Nothing fancy, just a fireteam.
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| '''…It was the end of his journey… He shook his head sorrowfully and lamented—this wasn't his sunrise. His breath was stifled in that blinding, blazing light. His armor, shield, helmet, and blet had melted away, while a searing pain burned through his body… He died in an agonizing struggle, having never embraced the rising sun he'd chased."'''
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| <s>—Hmm… I still don't get it even after reading it three times, nor do I like the conclusion. Maybe I should pick a story with a happy ending next time.</s>
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| —Though I still do not like this ending, it does indeed have its merits. I think I'll send this book to Praedyth.
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| }} | | }} |
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