( He’s taken aback for a moment. )
I have never seen… magic… like you just exhibited. Naturally, I would have a lot on my mind afterwards…
Enker 🎋 [perma-hiatus]
ㅤ
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤAfter a moment of hesitation, he narrows his eyes and waves a hand.
「 Speak. There's clearly more on your mind. 」
ㅤ
ㅤMAXWELLㅤ
I understand. I hope that continues to be the case, then.
( It's obvious that he has so many questions, but he doesn't want to pry... )
Enker 🎋 [perma-hiatus]
ㅤ
「 And thus, neither do you. I'm alright; neither a threat nor at threat. 」
ㅤ
ㅤMAXWELLㅤ
( Do /not/ question it, Enker. Do not make the same mistake twice. )
I... see. Then you have nothing to worry about.
Enker 🎋 [perma-hiatus]
ㅤ
「 The Darkness and I are on good terms right now, don't worry. 」
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤwhat
ㅤ
ㅤMAXWELLㅤ
I understand. However, with that sentiment, I am concerned that you are still wandering about so late at night...
Enker 🎋 [perma-hiatus]
ㅤ
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤIt doesn't seem to matter, as he puts the book into his suit.
「 Ah, good. I'm in no shape to fight, and I'd rather not be felled this night. 」
ㅤ
ㅤMAXWELLㅤ
Ah, no, that's not my intention. It's simply the way I'm used to speaking.
( He steps back again, signaling that he does not want any kind of trouble. Who knows what he can do with that book. )
Enker 🎋 [perma-hiatus]
ㅤ
「 Matchup? You word it like we're about to fight. 」
ㅤ
ㅤMAXWELLㅤ
I don't tend to run into those with magical abilities, either, so I suppose this creates an even matchup.
Enker 🎋 [perma-hiatus]
ㅤ
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤHe looks around, eyes narrowing.
「 ..odd. I don't run into many robots myself. 」
ㅤ
ㅤMAXWELLㅤ
You'd be surprised.
However... I've done extensive searching tonight, and I doubt anyone's here, other than you and I.
Enker 🎋 [perma-hiatus]
ㅤ
「 Are there many? I feel like suspicious robots is so specific you might as well not patrol at all. 」
ㅤ
ㅤMAXWELLㅤ
Right now, I am looking for suspicious robots who are looking to cause trouble in this area.
I didn’t expect to find a human out here this late.
Enker 🎋 [perma-hiatus]
ㅤ
「 Understood. What do you patrol here for, though? 」
ㅤ
ㅤMAXWELLㅤ
Yes. A Robot Master specialized for combat specifically. Though I do not prefer to fight unless I need to.
( A slight beat, then… )
… You can simply call me Enker.
Enker 🎋 [perma-hiatus]
ㅤ
「 RKN-001. A machine, I presume? 」
ㅤ
ㅤMAXWELLㅤ
( His hand hovers near his side, just in case. )
… My name is Enker, RKN-001. I hope that answers your question.
Enker 🎋 [perma-hiatus]
ㅤ
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤThe book he holds slams shut, small black wisps arising from it.
「 Maxwell Carter. Now answer my question. 」
ㅤ
ㅤMAXWELLㅤ
( He stiffens up again, standing up straight. He’s thankful the chill has faded, but he never lets his guard down. )
… I regularly patrol this area. I’d like to ask the same of you.
( He’s a bit too startled to give out his name right away. )
Enker 🎋 [perma-hiatus]
ㅤ
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤThe chill vanishes, and the flower wilts once more. The man groans in response, pinching the bridge of his chin.
「 Who are /you?/ 」
ㅤ
ㅤMAXWELLㅤ
( Oh. The sudden chill gives him pause; he bristles and shrinks back a bit. He really doesn't like that. )
... N-No, you're mistaken.
( He figured that making himself known would make the strange feeling stop, but he regrets saying /anything/ as soon as the words come out. )
Enker 🎋 [perma-hiatus]
ㅤ
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤIn a strange move, he looks up at the flowers and... his eyes widen, looking around. Was it him..?
「 ..Charlie? 」
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤHis voice is rough and scratched from smoking and trauma. But when he says the name, a cold feeling washes over the whole woods.
ㅤ
ㅤMAXWELLㅤ
( ... Against better judgement, the robot continues to watch, and /follow,/ for that matter. )
