\#"Kubel's Pillory Disease" \#An illness characterized by the dark lump formed around the neck. \#So named for "Kubel", a demonic deity with dominion over snakes, \#though outbreaks have appeared worldwide, any origin is unknown. \#Once contracted, the patient suffers a rapid deterioration in \#strength and partial paralysis, developing into organ failure. \#Inevitably, death shortly follows. \#As if to symbolize the progress of the disease, the dark lump \#on the patient's neck gradually extends around the throat... \#So forming a complete ring by time the of death, \#as if the afflicted had been strangulated by a coiled snake─ \#Thusly, another common name for it is "The Black Choker." [Sero] Paralyzed and helpless while your organs start to fail... It really is just like being wrung out by a giant snake... [Majetano] The true menace of Kubel's Pillory Disease was in how the best of magic and medicine proved equally ineffectual in treating it. [Sero] Geh... So it's essentially a complete death sentence, then. [Majetano] 30 years ago, for sure. These days, they have worked out a treatment. [Sero] You're saying they cured it? [Majetano] "Treatment" might be the wrong way of phrasing it, though. [Sero] Hmm? [Majetano] Disease was a total misnomer. Kubel's Pillory turned out to be a curse, so maybe "Absolved" is more appropriate? [Sero] A curse... That explains why it's resistant to conventional magic and medicine. [Majetano] ... So! [Majetano] The most hilarious part is the method of breaking it! Wanna here? You can admit you're curious! [Sero] A bit tickled for discussing a death curse, there... But spill, Maje, what exactly is so funny about it? [Rowdy Adventurer] Move it, snotnoses. Don't block bridge traffic, some of us got placed to be. [Sero] Oops... E-Excuse us, sir! [Fat Adventurer] I know y'all might be distracted on your little date, but don't let that become an inconveince to others, nawmsayin? [Rowdy Adventurer] Now, if you understood any a that, scarm! We're in a hurry here! [Sero] Oof...! [Majetano] ... Hold it! [Majetano] I'll admit we were wrong for blocking the bridge, but that's no reason to kick anyone! [Sero] N-No need, Maje! It's fine, so...! [Majetano] Butt out, Slowpoke! [Rowdy Adventurer] He's the one traipsing around like he needs a boot in the ass. [Majetano] He's just the same slowpoke he always is! That's irrelevant, apologize to Sero right now! [Fat Adventurer] Now this chick is talking shit... [Rowdy Adventurer] Why the hell would the one who was inconvenienced apologize? You want a kick in the ass too, wench? [Majetano] Splendid. So you require a lesson in picking the wrong fight. [Majetano] Let the sear of these flames teach you the worth of an apolog- [Sero] Look, very sorry, sir, This won't happen again! [Sero] C'mon, Maje! Time to go! [Majetano] W-Wait! I wasn't finished with them yet! [Fat Adventurer] What the hell was that all about...?