"Hey ho. What say we chill out together for a while, homie."
Rex
"Sure. Where d'ya want to go?"
Zeke
"How about we go and climb to the very top of the windmill thingummy in Tretl Windmill Plaza?"
Introduction
Rex
"Amazing. You get a great view of the town from here, eh."
Zeke
"Told ya so. When the Zekenator says there's a good view, he doesn't lie. Matter of fact, it's the best view in all of Torigoth."
Rex
"You're not from here, are you, Zeke? You seem to know quite a lot about the place."
Zeke
"Well, you see... Last time I was here, the old geez at the inn gave me the lowdown."
Rex
"Oh right, you used to travel all over the place, didn't you? Do you know a lot about 其它 places apart from Gormott, then?"
Zeke
"Oh, yes. You wouldn't believe some of the things I've seen. But listen, I want you to tell me something. What does this scenery right here make you think of?"
"Yeah. Hmmm. Sure. But, y'know... That's just a facade. It's what they want you to see."
Rex
"A facade?"
Zeke
"Yeah, exactly. Like, you know Gormott's a colony of Mor Ardain right now. Well, the only reason the town looks so lively is 'cos Mor Ardain has a military base here. Most 其它 settlements in Gormott, everyone's doing hard work like farming and lumberjacking. And most of what they produce, they export to Mor Ardain. It's quite a tough life here. A lot of folks are struggling."
Rex
"..."
Zeke
"And it's not just Gormott, either. I've seen a good few dark underbellies on my travels, no doubt about it."
Rex
"Did you ever try to help those people out?"
Zeke
"Ah, so many times. I had it in my head that the Zekenator had the power to fix anything. But...fancy sword skills and titles... They aren't much use to most folks. I was trying to save the world alone. But what happened is that reality bit me on the arse."
Rex
"Hey, don't look at it like that."
Zeke
"Huh?"
Rex
"Sure, maybe you don't have the power to save the whole world right now. But there are definitely people out there you have helped. Me and Pyra, for a start. So Zeke, don't ever give up. Don't forget, you've got some people you can count on now."
Zeke
"Yeah, you're right. You really are. I dunno what I was thinking. It's not just the Zekenator now. I've got you guys watching my back. Some of the things I couldn't do back then might even be possible now."
Rex
"Right? So let's keep doing what we can. All of us, together."
Zeke
"Yeah! I just gotta put my back into it. Look out, world! The Zekenator's coming to rock your socks off! Whew! That sure felt good. Your turn, Rex! Let your manifesto out!"
Rex
"Erm... I'm gonna get Pyra and Mythra to Elysium, or die trying!"
"Fonsett's a peaceful village, right? War hasn't really reached it?"
Rex
"Yeah. That's right."
Zeke
"Problem is, most villages in Alrest can't say the same."
Rex
"What do you mean exactly?"
Zeke
"Listen up, chum. What you see on the surface? That's not the whole story. A lot of places that look like they're doing well have a lot of people suffering in the shadows."
Rex
"Even here in Gormott?"
Zeke
"Sure as. You can see Torigoth doing great, same as the 其它 towns where there's an Ardainian army base. But most 其它 settlements in Gormott? They scrape by on hard labor like farming and lumberjacking. And most of what they produce, they export to Mor Ardain. It's quite a tough life here. A lot of folks are struggling. And it's not just Gormott, either. I've seen a whole bunch of places like this, and they make me realize how powerless I am."
Rex
"... Zeke, you aren't powerless. You never stop wanting to help people. Even now, you're thinking about the people who really need your help. Exactly how a future king should think."
Zeke
"Hey, don't take the piss."
Rex
"I mean it. I'm all spent just worrying about the people right in front of me. Pyra, Mythra, Nia, Gramps... But it seems like you're always worrying about the wider world. Like, people whose names you don't even know. It's something I really admire about you, Zeke. I 希梅莉 I can learn to care as much as you do."
Zeke
"Man, you always know what to say. You're such a...focused guy."
Rex
"Haha. Gramps said I should pay more attention to the world around me, though."
Zeke
"Tell you what then, chum. While you focus on your main goals, I'll keep an eye on the big picture for you."
Rex
"Yeah. I know I can count on you."
Zeke
"Damn right you can!"
Pandoria
"Oh, what a pair."
Pyra
"I find it really inspiring."
Pandoria
"Yeah, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little inspired."