Gachiakuta (ガチアクタ)

What the...

Seems kinda early for... what exactly is this?

Early? It's nighttime, man.

It's a "Welcome to the Ground" party for Rudo.

Oh, that guy.

They're all just here to drink, I'll bet.

That's fine. It's a good chance for them to let their hair down too.

The man of the hour don't seem too happy about it.

Yeah.

His vital instrument crapped out at a job yesterday.

He's been like that ever since.

Sad.

Speaking of the job yesterday,

I hear you met a weird trash beast.

Yeah, unlike the usual,

its core wasn't Anima, but an object.

An object with power... That's a vital instrument, right?

And a trash beast was produced that was powered by it...

That really gave us all a jolt.

I just don't know what to do about it.

So I decided to leave that to a higher pay grade,

while we came back and got some food!

You never change, do you?

Enjin and Semiu said they'd come by after they talked, too.

Enjin's comin'?!

There you are.

We haven't been properly introduced.

I'm Gris Rubion.

Rudo.

I know. You did well yesterday.

I did jack shit.

You protected Follo from that trash beast.

Follo?

The young supporter. The one with the goggles.

Right.

But then I couldn't use my power right, and I needed you and Riyo to save me.

It was the same up there, too.

I was always losing my head and lashing out.

Then Regto had to cover my ass.

I... I have to get back up there ASAP,

but I'm no different than I was then, and I'm still getting bailed out.

I can't be what anyone wants from me.

Why am I like this?

Thanks a lot.

Most people, when they see supporters like us,

call us "powerless weaklings" and "a millstone around the Cleaners' necks."

Even now, there are members of the Cleaners who thought that way about us at first.

But you weren't like that.

That kid...

Follo joined the Cleaners to clear out trash beasts.

But without powers, you can't kill a trash beast.

So he's working on a treasured object of his own, in hopes of becoming a Giver.

But since he became a supporter, he's said,

"I'll remain a supporter even if I become a Giver."

"I'll show those people who look down on us."

Now he's working hard to make that happen.

Rudo.

Set aside ideas about getting stronger and being what others want.

What is it you've always wanted to do?

What I've always wanted to do?

Before you came to the Ground, before whatever it was that happened up there.

Was there something you just wanted to do?

Try to think back on that and return to first principles.

If you do that, your path to what you want should become clear.

Believe in yourself.

You might be down here with us now,

but you're still alive.

Man, I'm pooped!

Enjin?!

Hey, what's with you?

Haven't you eaten anything?

He's right, Rudo!

You're the star here, but they'll still eat all your food if you don't get to it soon.

You've eaten the most out of anyone here.

Let's go over there and have our fill, Rudo.

Watch this one, Rudo.

That's Gob.

That's a guy who never deviates from what he wants to do.

Hey, man, we're eating here!

It freakin' stinks!

At least open a window!

You've been by a lot lately.

Yeah...

There's plenty more script I wanna tag.

Don't care what you draw,

so long as it's not more poop.

Can't promise you that one.

Y-You've done enough...

I-I told you, right?

I told you everything, so just let me go!

Please!

Okay!

White hair that gets darker at the ends,

under-eye circles,

a Sphereite Giver...

Sounds like a great souvenir.

Good morning. This is the Cleaners.

Do you have a request?

Episode 5

"Raiders"

We have a new request.

Got a question, Big Sis.

What's the trainee doing with us?

I know I'm set to be his trainer,

but that was gonna be after he joined up officially.

He's not a real Cleaner yet.

I called him here because the request is relevant to him.

A merchant was attacked by a trash beast while crossing a polluted zone.

The creature stole their "precious cargo."

The merchant wants us to clean up the beast and retrieve the stolen cargo—

a living person who came down from the Sphere.

It's extremely unusual for two living Sphereites to be found so close in time.

So I thought you might be interested.

It might give you a hint as to how to get back.

Rudo, I'm sure you're having a lot of feelings about this.

It's up to you if you want to go or not.

I can't use my power well.

I might be a burden again, needing everyone to protect me...

But if it'll give me a hint about how to get back up...

I'll go.

Sure.

I initially planned to send Enjin along with you,

but he had another job to take care of.

I believe he said, "They'll be fine with Zanka along"

or something like that.

A'right, everyone! Let's get to work!

I want everyone givin' it their best!

By the way... Gris?

You don't carry a weapon?

I carry a knife for self-defense, but I mainly fight barehanded.

It's what I'm used to.

He does have a little talisman, though, Rudo!

He prays to it every time we head out, asking that we make it back safe.

You moron! Don't tell him that!

What's the big deal? Everyone knows it!

He's a really nice guy.

It's just a cheap thing I bought at some shop.

It's not like praying hurts anyone, so I think it's fine, right?

Thank you for coming.

I'm the merchant who hired you.

I'll guide you to the trash beast's lair.