Yeah, I don't think that'll fly. They're definitely gonna have us fight more stuff sooner rather than later. And even if our party synergy's not quite right - [ it puts too much pressure on Fabian is what he doesn't say out loud, just because it's bad form to broadcast the weakspots in your party; without their Bard and their Barbarian, it's up to Fabian to both handle close-combat and protect Adaine as she whips out her heavy-hitting spells ] - we're still pretty capable on our own. I mean, you must have seen Fabian fight! He's a fantastic swordsman, one of the best at our school.

[ He feels obliged to talk Fabian up a little -- and privately hopes that Fabian didn't, say, fall off any tables during his and Krouse's time together or else he's gonna look like an idiot. The guy's coming off of a hard few battles and his ego is surprisingly fragile for a guy who has Maximum Legend tattooed across his neck. Besides, Krouse is speaking with a genuine interest and excitement it's rare for Riz to receive. ]

So, you know, maybe you can watch sometime? But only if I can watch what you've got going on with -- what did you call it, e-sports?

[ Yes, Riz has assisted in murdering a dragon. No, he doesn't actually know how to play crystal games very well. Yes, he still thinks Krouse's burgeoning e-sports career is cool. Sue him. ]

They've got a system at that "teen hang-out", [ he says, using air-quotes as he says it. ] Which I feel like is kind of a weird thing to set-up here? But they've got games and a training room and an armoury and stuff, so.