Chapter 16: XVI. Church Court
Archer, while not exactly charismatic, could also be described as the kind everyone loathed, even dogs.
If Rein's rabies were logical, the result of playing out too many stale memes, of being obsessed with "Original God."
Then Archer was the genuine article, absolutely free of any preservatives, a native of the Western Continent with raw stupidity, embodying emotionality, quick temper, poor situational awareness, stubbornness, showing off – all shortcomings rolled into one.
What was most infuriating was that his looks weren't bad either. According to Western Continent standards, he was a handsome man, the epitome of the tough outsiders from Hollywood westerns of the 60s, with a resolute face, sullen eyes, ready to pretend to be deep the moment someone disagreed, always with alcohol and cigarettes.
"I've changed my mind; I'm not going anymore."
Fen lost all interest in going out as soon as he saw that Archer would be joining him. He'd initially planned to go into town to buy some supplies for his charms. However, he had this nagging feeling, like a thorn in his back, that he had forgotten something.
His gaze shifted to Morison. With half of his face disfigured, he was definitely one of the highest combatants on board, a threat that might not even have a known upper limit. He had never been drawn into a proper fight and had always ended battles almost instantaneously, in short durations, unpredictably like the abyss.
Like yesterday, those in charge of the bank weren't easy to handle; daring to escort valuables amidst the chaos of Beima Duchy certainly meant they were tough. But his strange throwing knives were as powerful as grenades, his dual daggers had a ghostly, elusive presence, and his weird whips made him a veritable human meat grinder.
Often called Little Killer, Morison had no trouble eliminating a few aliens with ease.
Following Fen's gaze, Liszt sensed his thoughts. Brother Sha was an oddball, not one to be judged by conventional standards; it wouldn't be surprising if he committed some outrageous act, like murdering everyone on board and fleeing. It was good for Fen to keep an eye on things, adding a bit of pressure to the others on the ship.
"Like it or not."