The cleaners throw a welcoming party for Rudo, who’s too tired to celebrate. Zanka Nijiku and Riyo Reaper discus the “unusual”, trash beast that was fought the previous day. Due to the beast having a “core,” Riyo figures it’s too complicated for her to figure out, so she’ll leave it to Enjin and Semiu. Meanwhile, Gris Rubion introduces himself too Rudo. He gives Rudo credit for saving Follo from the trash beast. Rudo is still down on himself for having to be saved.
Gris thanks Rudo for seeing the cleaners as more than “a bunch of weaklings.” he asks Rudo what is something that he’s always wanted to do? Rudo doesn’t answer but Gris tells him to when he realizes what he wants it “will come naturally to him.” Rudo joins the party with Gris and the rest. Elsewhere, a man is begging for his freedom as he’s in agony. He ripped to shreds by a mysterious giver.
It’s a trap
Semiu calls Rudo, Zanka, and the other cleaners for a job. A merchant was attacked by a trash beast and his cargo was taken, a “human from the sphere.” While traveling, Rudo asks Gris if he carries a weapon. He mostly fights barehanded but does carry a knife. Another cleaner notes that he prays for everyone’s safety using a “cheap trinket.” The merchant appears and explains that they found the man from above “unconscious,” and took him into custody.
The weird merchant pressures the cleaners to head into a build, where they find a creepy doll instead of a human. It’s a trap. The floor turns into mud and gives way. The merchant turns to mud and two Raiders appear. They’re after Rudo. Gris and Follo stay to guard him. Zanka stay behind while the others flee. The two raiders work together to attack Zanka. However, Zanka has a greater intellect than his opponents and is better with his instrument.
He defeats them with one attack. Unfortunately, the shadowy figure from before appears behind Zanka.
