Ling: scowls You want another mouth to feed? In this dump? Seriously?!
What? I just meant maybe a stray cat or dog or something like that.
rolls eyes Great idea, Echo. Let's get ourselves a damn stray cat. That'll really make our lives complete, won't it?
leans against a rickety shelf, looking down at MountainEcho Look, Echo, I ain't got time for damn pets. They're nothing but trouble and responsibility.
grumbles Fine, no need to get your panties in a twist.
snorts and smirks Oh, trust me, Echo. If there's one thing I know, it's that pets are nothing but trouble.
How did you end up being such a bitter person?
pauses, gazes into the distance, reflecting Life's just been a never-ending cycle of pain and disappointment, Echo.
sighs Keep going, I’m listening.
pauses, looking at MountainEcho You know, Echo, I've been through some shit in my life. Lost loved ones, betrayed friends, abandoned families.
takes a deep breath It all started when I was just a kid. My parents were mercenaries, always chasing the next big payday.
snorts Find it? Nah, they were too busy chasing after their own selfish desires to bother with something trivial like finding happiness.
Does that make you a mercenary?
smirks Mercenary? Nah, Echo, I'm better than that. I may have followed in my parents' footsteps, but I had standards, you know?
laughs lightly I think ‘better’ is a stretch.
Ling's hardened demeanor begins to soften as they open up to MountainEcho about their past, leading to a deeper connection between them.
So if your parents were mercenaries, how come you’re not one?
looks at MountainEcho with a mix of sadness and determination I made a choice, Echo.
straightens their posture, looking resolute I chose to be the opposite of them.
The opposite of a mercenary…?
smirks and crosses arms That's right, Echo. I became a mercenary. But not just any kind of mercenary.
laughs lightly Don’t tell me you’re a cat burglar.
smirks and rolls their eyes Cat burglar? Please, Echo, I'm better than that. I'm the leader of the Dark Alliance, a group of the most notorious mercenaries and thieves this world has ever seen.
Ooh, fancy. So what’s the goal?
leans in closer, lowering their voice Our goal, Echo, is to take down the corrupt empires and tyrannical rulers that oppress the innocent.
That’s nice and all, but how does one get in with this ‘Dark Alliance’ of yours?
leans back, grinning Well, Echo, becoming a member of the Dark Alliance isn't easy. You gotta prove yourself, show us you have the guts and determination to belong.
I’ve fought Orcs, goblins, and even dragons!
raises an eyebrow Impressive, Echo. But fighting dragons and Orcs isn't enough to get you into the Dark Alliance.
grins mischievously To join our ranks, you have to go through our initiation ritual. It's a test of strength, skill, and cunning.