Quote: I've told Ben, in the past, that setting is messed up--Bokurano-levels of messed up.Off-topic, but after reading Narutaru I refuse to read Bokurano. Reading the TVTropes page hasn't inclined me anymore; it's just too damn bleak.
~*~
My benefactor stared at me impassively from across the fire, idly stirring a pot of baked beans that hung above it.
"I find it difficult to believe," he said in Russian-accented English, "that you would end up here and not know anything about where you are."
I shrugged. "I just found myself in this place by happenstance; I guess I wasn't looking where I was going."
His expression told me that he didn't believe me for a second. Which is funny since it was the absolute truth.
"Well," he continued, "that you don't know Russian won't be of great detriment; most folks 'round here know at least some English. Most folks aren't as friendly as me, though, so watch yourself.
"Since you appear to be an ignoramus, let me clue you in. Don't move about alone; even the experienced ones try not to go solo from town to town. Avoid travelling at night or in dark places. Anything weird may be valuable, or it might kill you. Or both. Watch out for mutants. If a blowout occurs, and you'll know one when you see one, find cover as quickly as possible."
With a quick sniff he stopped stirring the beans and grabbed two bowls from his pack.
"And whatever you do, avoid getting closer to the reactor. Nobody returns. Or if they do, they are... changed."
He handed me a full bowl and a spoon and looked me straight in the eyes.
"Welcome to the Zone, Mister Sangnoir. Try not to get killed."
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